Dive Brief:

  • Crowley is introducing a direct weekly ocean service connecting Guatemala and Honduras to Port Houston in Texas, as announced in an Aug. 19 press release.
  • The shipping and logistics provider aims to address growing cargo demand in sectors including fresh produce, retail, apparel and industrial goods, according to Claudia Kattan, vice president for Central America, Mexico and Panama, who spoke with Supply Chain Dive.
  • The new route is designed to offer faster transit times for shippers, support inventory planning and provide flexibility for time-sensitive cargo without transshipment delays, Kattan said. The first voyage is scheduled to arrive in Houston on Sept. 10.

Dive Insight:

Central American exports to the U.S. grew 5.1% in value in Q1 2026 compared with Q1 2025, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. The release notes that an increase in fresh produce exports from Central America has been a major demand driver.

The Central America-to-Houston connection is intended to serve as a reliable and efficient logistics solution for shippers, Kattan said in the press release. Crowley has served the market for years, and Port Houston is a key component of its broader ocean network strategy, Kattan added in an email.

The new Port Houston service features Thursday departures and will carry both dry and refrigerated containers to move consumer goods from sea to land, according to the press release. The company also offers 53-foot containers to enhance intermodal efficiency.

“We designed this route to support current market demand while creating room for future growth,” Kattan said. “As with any new service, we will continue to evaluate customer demand and market conditions and make decisions based on what delivers the greatest value for our customers.”