US-based transporter Tropical Shipping is set to launch a container shipping service from the Canadian Port of Halifax on January 9, 2017.

The company’s 1,118 TEU containership Vega Omega will depart Halterm International Container Terminal in Canada, “bringing improved import and export connectivity to customers in Florida, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.”

According to Kim Holtermand, Halterm’s Chief Operating Officer, “the terminal can meet both Tropical Shipping’s performance needs in 2017 and plan for extended operations in 2018 through 2019 when Tropical will take delivery of larger capacity vessels.”

“With our new vessels due to start service in June 2018, Tropical Shipping is working closely with Halterm, CN and the Port of Halifax to build on our specialized reefer trade,” Tim Martin, Tropical Shipping’s VP Commercial & Trades, said.

With 15 vessels, Tropical Shipping provides direct service to Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.