Last week (31 December), MANZANILLO EXPRESS, a Hapag-Lloyd vessel operating the CHERRY EXPRESS service, arrived in Hong Kong from Valparaiso with a record number of containers of Chilean cherries on board.
1,222 active refrigerated containers were unloaded in Hong Kong, the largest number of Chilean cherry containers ever unloaded in Hong Kong from a single ship call.
“We called on Hong Kong with our CHERRY EXPRESS service because we know we can rely on reliable and efficient service at Hong Kong terminals. Our customers appreciate the HOT BOX arrangement in Hong Kong, which allows them to pick up the container immediately after it has been unloaded from the vessel. This service allows containers of cherries to be transported across the border and to consumer markets throughout southern China in just a few hours after landing in Hong Kong,” said Axel von Bloh, General Manager of Hapag-Lloyd's Hong Kong office.
High-quality cherry from Chile is a popular gift in mainland China ahead of the Chinese New Year. Getting it into the hands of consumers in its original, fresh and tasty state is a priority for Chilean export companies and importers in southern China. The unique HOT BOX service makes Hong Kong the main gateway for thousands of containers every year.
“Hong Kong is a free port, allowing for fast container shipments from the terminals. This makes Hong Kong the preferred gateway for many high-value perishable products. It looks set to be another incredible season for Chilean cherries in China. We congratulate Chilean Exporters and Chinese Importers for the positive results and thank them all for their trust in Hong Kong as the freshest gateway to China and the rest of Asia.” said Horace Lo, Group Managing Director of Modern Terminals Ltd.
If containers need to connect to other parts of Asia, Hong Kong is the ideal transshipment hub with 8,000 reefer slots available in the Hong Kong Seaport Alliance, the largest number of reefer slots at any port in southern China.
About modern terminals:
Modern Terminals Limited opened Hong Kong’s first purpose-built container terminal facility in 1972. Today, the Company owns and operates container terminals at Kwai Tsing Container Port, Hong Kong. In the Pearl River Delta, it operates and owns a majority stake in DaChan Bay Terminals and also has equity interests in both Shekou Container Terminals and Chiwan Container Terminal. Modern Terminals is a customer-focused service provider. The Company’s industry expertise, deployment of advanced equipment and commitment of its people enable it to deliver a unique customer experience at the terminals it operates. The Company’s mission is to be the preferred partner for world-class terminal and supply chain services, building global connectivity for the sustainable development of local economies and the enhancement of people’s well-being.
