- MSC to launch an independent East/West trade network from February 2025.
- The network will offer both Suez and Cape of Good Hope routing options.
- 34 shipping loops will connect various global trade routes.
Starting February 2025, MSC will introduce a standalone network for East/West trades, replacing its current 2M VSA agreement with Maersk. This change will provide customers with more comprehensive and independent shipping solutions, reports MSC.
Comprehensive Shipping Loops and Routes
The new network will include 34 loops across 5 major trade routes. These loops will be spread out as follows:
- 7 loops for Asia to North Europe
- 6 loops for Asia to the Mediterranean
- 4 loops for Asia to North America West Coast
- 6 loops for Asia to North America East Coast
- 11 loops for the Transatlantic Network
MSC aims to offer wide coverage, including more than 1,900 direct port pairs via the Suez Canal and over 1,800 via the Cape of Good Hope.
Enhanced Flexibility and Connectivity
The future network will give customers the choice of routing through either the Suez Canal or the Cape of Good Hope.
MSC CEO Soren Toft stated, “We are delighted to reveal our future standalone East/West network for all clients. Customers will benefit from MSC’s unmatched connectivity and direct corridors, coupled with consistent high quality of service.”
Full Operational Control with Slot Swap Agreements
MSC will take full control of its network, allowing for smoother operations. To ensure complete coverage, MSC will also integrate select slot swap agreements.
Mr. Toft added, “With the addition of select slot swap agreements we will provide complete coverage across all East/West routes. Furthermore, as we assume full operational control of our network, we can today offer clients both Suez and Cape of Good Hope routing options. This announcement represents an important milestone in the evolution of our global network and the vision of MSC’s founding family.”
A Milestone in MSC’s Evolution
This new strategy marks a significant milestone in MSC’s global network expansion, furthering the vision set by the company’s founding family, according to Mr. Toft. The move represents a crucial step in MSC’s efforts to provide flexible, efficient, and reliable services across major East/West trade routes.
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Source: MSC
