OREANDA-NEWS. September 08, 2011. The ship flying the flag of the United States of America „Maersk Arkansas“ operated by the company „Maersk" called Klaipeda Port. From now on the ship with non – military cargo on board will run the regular route Bremerhaven (Germany), Klaipeda and Riga, reported the press-centre of Klaipeda Port.
 
The itinerary of this ship launches regular NATO ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) non – military cargo transit via Lithuania to Afghanistan, „The regular route of „Maersk“ ship to Klaipeda delivering supplies to USA troops in Afghanistan is the result of a successful cooperation of two countries. It demonstrates that Lithuania is a reliable partner of the USA and NATO and the transport and logistics sector of Lithuania provides high quality services“, said the Minister of Transport and Communications Eligijus Masiulis.

The advantages of Lithuania while transporting NATO cargoes by transit are high Klaipeda Port container handling potential and well developed railway net. Shipped cargo will be further transported from Lithuania by railways via Belarus, Russia and other countries to Afghanistan.

Companies operating in Klaipeda Port are prepared to serve container flows of NATO countries, their capacities reach up to 650 000 TEU per year. SC „Lietuvos gelezinkeliai“ is prepared ensure a sustainable cargo transportation under the most favourable conditions.

Agreements signed by NATO with Belarus, the Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on a facilitated transportation of non – military cargo via theirs territories will help to assure more simple and rapid NATO ISAF cargo transportation via Northern supply route.

Supplies to USA troops in Afghanistan sent by other NATO member countries are transported via Lithuania by irregular routes. Cargoes from Germany are transported by ferry line Mukran/Sassnitz- Klaipeda, some time ago cargoes from Great Britain were shipped to Klaipeda Port.