Network Shipping, Fresh Del Monte's ocean logistics arm, is driving growth for Fresh Del Monte's third-party services by further enhancing its platform through a rebrand that optimizes cargo space on Fresh Del Monte's 13 owned vessels — offering tailored shipping solutions to a broader audience amid continuous supply chain pressures.

The company's recent rebrand improves its service functions with digital technology that better supports human interactions, including a renovated and easy-to-use interface that efficiently streamlines customer bookings and trade-lane information — while also offering six new fully cellular reefer box ships and renaming its four "smart" routes to and from Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru and the U.S. to raise awareness of endangered marine species.

"As disruptions in logistics and shipping continue to grow, the need to find agile and efficient solutions is greater than ever. Network Shipping is leveraging Fresh Del Monte's resources, achieving an almost 100 per cent on-time delivery rate, and responding quickly to ever-evolving market needs," said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO at Fresh Del Monte. "We're looking forward to offering our solutions to more people, giving them access to our robust, reliable distribution and logistics network that FDM customers have come to know and appreciate." 

Network Shipping's value proposition focuses on providing the best solutions with a human touch. Operating as a hybrid shipping line/cargo owner, the boutique ocean logistics company understands customers' market pain points. "Amid the ongoing supply chain crisis, customers need a reliable partner. At NWS, our goal is to build extended products enabling better end-to-end solutions tailored to each customer's needs," said Francis McCawley, head of the commercial at Network Shipping. "We don't follow a 'one size fits all model as we know each and every customer is different and equally important, no matter the size."

​​"Our focus is to provide our customers with excellent service, integrated ocean and inland solutions, flexible last-minute changes, optimized route consultations, reefer expertise, and human interactions," said Helmuth Lutty, senior vice president of Shipping Operations. "That's what distinguishes us from the liner pack, everything follows our boutique ideology."

NWS exceeded expectations by turning 2021 into a record year in revenue and cargo. Commercial cargo, which falls under Fresh Del Monte's other products and services segment, saw an increase in 2021 revenue by approximately 45 per cent compared with 2020. Its strong performance continued into Q1 2022. NWS is outpacing its big shipping line competitors with an almost 100 per cent on-time arrival rate versus the reliability between 26 to 50 per cent for big shipping lines.

The company has also opened new agencies in the U.S., Guatemala, Costa Rica and Peru to serve customers better. NWS aims to become a more proactive logistics partner in cold-chain solutions (i.e., cold storage at ports and cross-docking) and by enabling better end-to-end solutions through extended products.