Next week, a new carrier will make its inaugural call to the Port of Wilmington. 

United Kingdom-based Ellerman City Liners has announced Wilmington as a stop among its new service line, the U.S. Express Service (USX). 

The bi-weekly service will expand the port’s access to Northern European markets. The USX service will operate with a port rotation featuring Antwerp, Belgium; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Tilbury, England; and in the U.S., in Staten Island, New York; Wilmington; and Jacksonville, Florida. 

Ellerman selected Wilmington because it's a non-congested port, according to spokesperson David Gladen.

USX will also provide a connecting transshipment service through Ellerman’s Iberia shortsea service to connect to Spain and Portugal – offering N.C. Ports customers an extended reach, according to a release. 

“Expanding our connectivity in key routes is a critical component of our strategic plan,” said N.C. State Ports Authority executive director Brian Clark.

The inclusion of Ellerman City Liners will add to Wilmington’s current lineup of seven carrier services that call on the port for container service. 

Ellerman City Liners’ current ports of call – strategically selected for maximum usefulness, according to its website – include Tilbury; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and three stops in China: Shanghai, Shenzhen and Ningbo. 

“The launch of our new express service for the United States is another compelling commitment from Ellerman in providing forward thinking and best in class logistics solutions for our customers,” Ellerman’s commercial director Peter Andrews said in a release. “The launch of our new service is a testament to the expertise of our team and the ethos and desire in delivering expertise and excellence in everything we do”

Founded in 1901, Ellerman has deep roots in British maritime history, according to its website. 

“Ellerman City Liners is renowned for its commitment to customer service and individualized solutions. Combined with North Carolina Ports’ reputation for best-in-class service, this partnership offers our customers first class service to key European markets,” Clark said. “North Carolina’s market is robust and continues to grow and we are pleased that carriers the caliber of Ellerman City Liners recognize the opportunity here.”

After its inaugural call next week, the N.C. State Ports Authority anticipates Ellerman will move to weekly calls in the new year. 

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the location of the Ho Chi Minh City port.