New Service Launching for Atlantic Exporters to reach International Markets

Halifax, NS – July 6th, 2009 – A new “Less than Container Load” (LCL) consolidation service is being launched for local exporters. This new LCL service will provide exporters in the Atlantic region with a proximate and efficient link for their shipments to mainland Europe.

This service is a partnership between the Province of Nova Scotia, Department of Fisheries, Agriculture and Aquaculture, the Halifax Port Authority, and international transportation and logistics specialist Kuehne + Nagel Ltd. to offer more efficient and cost effective access to European markets for local area exporters.

“Currently, goods exported from Nova Scotia are sent to central Canada, consolidated there and then shipped to Europe,” said Scott Hosking, Director of Marketing with the Departments of Agriculture and Fisheries and Aquaculture. “This new service will put local exporters on a competitive playing field by eliminating a step in the process.”

“We are pleased that this partnership enables us to assist local exporters and the region’s 3rd party logistics companies to better utilize the Port of Halifax to meet their shipping needs,” said Karen Oldfield, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. The Port of Halifax currently connects exporters to over 150 countries via 16 shipping lines.

The Halifax Port Authority and Kuehne + Nagel will work with exporters and local forwarders to consolidate their shipments of dry freight on a guaranteed weekly service bound for Bremen, Germany, which will act as the hub to provide coverage within continental Europe and beyond. Today will mark the first shipment of the North American Gateway Express LCL Service.

“Kuehne + Nagel is proud to be partnering with the Port of Halifax. This new service will provide a timely and cost effective less than container load alternative to access the Northern European Markets and we look forward to providing our expertise and service in this venture,” comments John Levin, President and CEO of Kuehne + Nagel Ltd.