The Palmetto-based shipping company World Direct Shipping is doubling its number of routes between the Mexican state of Veracruz and Port Manatee. Early next year, World Direct will add a new weekly sailing to Port Manatee from the Port of Tuxpan, augmenting its existing weekly service between Port Manatee and Coatzacoalcos. The first sailing from Tuxpan is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 12. Tuxpan is the closest commercial port to Mexico City and is near Mexican paper processing centers, which, according to World Direct Shipping director Carlos Diaz, could provide opportunities for more paper exports from Port Manatee, in addition to greater imports of Mexican fruits, vegetables and juices.