Caribbean operator strengthens line to Europe with third Netherlands flagged ship

Martinique-based Caribbean Line is strengthening its Northern Europe–Caribbean service by doubling its two monthly return voyages between secondary ports that are not served by other operators.

The move follows 5%-10% traffic increases in 2018, according to Caribbean Line.

Established originally in 2010 as an inter-island operator, the CEM subsidiary subsequently extended services to include secondary ports in Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia, Trinidad, Guyana, French Guiana and Surinam and then on to Sheerness and Antwerp.

It operates two general cargo ships each equipped with two derricks, the Netherlands flagged 7,781dwt Vliesdiep and 7,750dwt Victoriadiep.

Both 2007 built ships are on time charter from Netherlands-based Beheermij.

The Vlisdiep sails to Antwerp with calls at Castries, Georgetown and Lisbon and the Victoriadiep links the Caribbean with the northern Spain ports of Carino, Burea and Pasajes.

A third vessel, the 3,121dwt Netherlands registered Sunergon, has been time chartered to strengthen the Caribbean–Europe routes.