DENMARK's Maersk Line has announced that it is spinning off its intra-Americas services by forming a new regional container shipping company, SeaLand, dedicated to the North, Central and South America markets as well as the Caribbean.
The new independent unit will officially commence operations on January 1, 2015. Maersk Line will this year begin the transition of its intra-Americas business to SeaLand in phases. Its existing intra-Americas service network will be the foundation for SeaLand's ocean products.
Local sales and support personnel will be positioned across the region, and approximately 240 personnel will begin their new roles by July 1, 2014, a company statement said.
The new affiliate will have a structure similar to the parent's other regional carriers including intra-Asia carrier MCC Transport and intra-Europe carrier Seago Line.
The new intra-America shipping company will be led by Maersk Line veteran, Craig Mygatt, who will serve as CEO. The company will be headquartered in the United States and will share some of the parent's operational services, such as finance, landside operations and human resources.
According to Mr Mygatt the new company was formed to provide greater service stability and commitment. "That's one of the key reasons why we're responding with an improved, restructured solution for the intra-Americas," he said.
"This reorganisation is an investment in our global container business. It enhances and strengthens service in this important and growing trade region, as well as the future of our overall global service network," added chief trade & marketing officer Vincent Clerc.