June 21 - Universal Americas Lines, a newly introduced brand within the Universal Africa Lines (UAL) Alliance, has announced a service to Latin America and the Caribbean, departing from the US Gulf with the first sailing scheduled for mid July.

UAL expects growth from emerging markets in the region and will offer direct monthly sailings to and from Houston to Mexico, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Colombia and Brazil, as well as other Latin American or Caribbean countries  on inducement.

"We see a need to help meet the rising customer demand for an alternative carrier experienced in handling breakbulk and project cargoes in this area," said Roger Jungblut, chairman of the UAL group.

The first sailing will utilise the general cargo vessel UAL Lobito, offering both container and breakbulk services.