Master Line Subsidiary Chooses Port Manatee

PALMETTO -- Naviera Master Line, a division of Miami-based Master Line Shipping Company, has selected Port Manatee for a new container and breakbulk cargo service that will transport breakbulk and containerized cargo to destinations in Colombia, Panama, Venezuela and Trinidad. The company is expected to begin sailing from Port Manatee, March 8 of this year.

“For the targeted business we have with Central Florida auctions, like Alex Lyon & Son, CAT, Ritchie Bros. and Yoder & Frey, Port Manatee is the closest port to Orlando and a very strategic port to the countries that we serve,” said Naviera Master Line President Juan Carlos Esquivel in a release. “It’s all about location.”

“This is the type of business that generates new jobs for the people of our community and we look forward to a lasting relationship with Naviera Master Line,” said Manatee County Port Authority Chair Carol Whitmore.

Cargoes will reportedly include oversize and heavy construction equipment along with a variety of containerized cargoes destined for Cristobal, Panama; Cartagena and Barranquilla, Colombia;  Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, La Guaira and Guanta, Venezuela; and La Brea, Trinidad.

“We look forward to officially welcoming Naviera Master Line and we plan to actively promote the new service to Florida shippers and overseas companies,” said Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras.