Independent Container Line changes port rotation

   Independent Container Line (ICL) is changing its port call in the United Kingdom from Liverpool to Southampton. It will begin calling Southampton on July 25.
   The transatlantic carrier calls just four ports: Chester, Wilmington, Antwerp and now Southampton instead of Liverpool.
   Loadstar reported that the company said in a customer advisory that weather in the North Atlantic and challenges in keeping on schedule was a reason for the change.
   Andy Abbott, the chief executive officer of Atlantic Container Line, another independent transatlantic carrier, said that in addition to heavy winds, another issue for carriers calling Liverpool has been periodic labor shortages.
   Mediterranean Shipping Company has been expanding service through the Port of Liverpool, initiating a transatlantic service in July and adding a service between Turkey and Canada in March.