Höegh Autoliners, one of the world's largest operators in the rolling stock and vehicle transportation segment, has added the Port of Charleston to its Middle East service, bringing two ship calls a month.

The first vessel, the Höegh Bangkok, is scheduled to arrive at the Union Pier Terminal on January 29 to load export BMWs made at the manufacturer’s South Carolina plant. “Höegh is a highly respected name in the international shipping industry,” said Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). “The entire maritime community is pleased to welcome Höegh back to the Port of Charleston.”

Importantly, this is new business for the Port of Charleston. The service is expected to load more than 5,000 vehicles annually that Höegh previously moved across a competing South Atlantic port.

“This is good news for waterfront workers and businesses,” said Newsome, “and it means more cost effective service for our customers.”