Reviews & Ratings for the Queen-B

A brave fisherman from Celestún, who found himself in a perilous situation 24 miles off the Yucatán coast, was rescued by the container ship 'Queen B'. The incident occurred on January 31, 2022, when the fisherman and his companion tragically encountered a tidal wave that caused their boat to sink while they were returning from a fishing trip. While one of the fishermen managed to hold onto a buoy and was saved by nearby riverbank locals, the other, named Erik, clung to a fiberglass cooler as he drifted helplessly for two days. On February 2, 2022, the 'Queen B', which was en route from Coatzacoalcos to Manatee, Florida, spotted the stranded fisherman about 50 or 60 miles off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. After being brought aboard the vessel, Erik received essential care, clothing, and food from the crew. The ship then continued its journey to Manatee before planning to bring Erik back to Veracruz. After its return to Coatzacoalcos, the 'Queen B' was set to deliver him safely back home. This remarkable rescue emphasizes the risks fishermen face at sea and the kindness of those who navigate these waters.

World Direct Shipping's latest addition to its fleet, the M/V Queen B, has officially set sail for the first time from Port Manatee, Florida, on Tuesday. This new containership is integral to the company’s cross-Gulf route connecting with Mexico, as detailed in a recent press release. Measuring 430 feet in length, the M/V Queen B boasts an impressive capacity of 700 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and is equipped with 128 refrigeration plugs for temperature-sensitive cargo. The vessel is designated primarily for transporting fresh produce from Mexico to Port Manatee, facilitating a return trip carrying paper, recycled materials, and oversized freight. Carlos Diaz, co-director of World Direct Shipping, highlighted the vessel's suitability for this trade: 'The right-sized M/V Queen B is ideally suited for this trade, offering enhanced energy efficiency, including the ability to smoothly transition to low-sulfur fuel when entering U.S. emissions control area waters.' He also confirmed that the vessel will maintain the company's established transit time of just 2 1/2 days, making it the fastest short-sea link between Mexico and various regions in the U.S., including the Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest.

In an exciting development, Borchard Line has successfully negotiated a charter extension lasting 12 to 14 months. This extension will see the vessels continuing their operations in the vibrant Mediterranean trade routes. This move underscores Borchard Line's commitment to strengthening its presence and ensuring reliable service in one of the world's most dynamic maritime regions.