Jul 28, 2004 2:43 PM, from staff and wire reports

Chiquita Brands International Inc has relocated its West Coast port operations in the United States to the Port of Hueneme from Long Beach CA. Chiquita’s weekly vessel service from Guatemala, including bananas and other fresh produce, is targeted to begin Nov 1, 2004. The Port of Hueneme is northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County.

The company also announced a long-term operating agreement with LauritzenCool, which specializes in the international transport of perishable goods and has on-dock refrigerated facilities where the company will store its cargo.