MSC launches new Africa service, Hapag plans new Asia-Africa routes
MSC will offer two weekly services, connecting their global network to Port of Djibouti, Ethiopia’s main gateway.
Swiss carrier Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has launched a new intermodal route between Djibouti & Ethiopia. "As the first MSC intermodal service in Ethiopia, it is a key milestone for progress in the region," an official statement added. "The new solution combines road and rail transport to facilitate smooth imports and exports out of landlocked Ethiopia."
MSC will offer two weekly services, connecting their global network to the Port of Djibouti, Ethiopia's main gateway:
* The PETRA service: Connecting China, Far East, Southeast Asia and all cargo routed via Singapore to Djibouti; and
* The NWC IPAK service: A direct connection to North Europe, and a connection to the US, MED, and IPAK regions via our regional transshipment hub King Abdullah Port (Saudi Arabia).
"We have been enthusiastically exploring our options for the past few years, and are excited to offer this intermodal solution that we believe will add value to MSC service," says Soji Thomas Korah, General Manager, MSC Ethiopia. "The Far East, Southeast Asia, U.S, IPAK, & NWC are all key markets for both Djibouti and Ethiopia. Our new intermodal services will be vital for coffee and garment export shipments to these regions."
Hapag service to start soon
Starting March 2022, two East African gateways will feature services from German carrier Hapag-Lloyd to match demand towards major Asian ports. "Our current East Africa and Asia, EAS3, will be focusing on service capabilities to connect Kenya with Asia while our brand new EAS4 will ensure a direct link between Tanzania and Asia," an official statement added.
The new service design:
Ensures planning flexibility through weekly services for both ports.
Expand coverage opportunities between Chinese key ports including the Pearl River Delta (Nansha) and East Africa.
Reach other Asian ports via Singapore and Port Kelang, Malaysia with a comprehensive mainliner and feeder network.
Connect with inland services to Burundi, Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and Zambia via the Mombasa and Dar-Es-Salaam gateways.
"The EAS3 weekly rotation will have the following structure: Qingdao–Shanghai–Ningbo–Nansha–Singapore–Port Kelang–Mombasa–Port Kelang–Singapore– Nansha–Qingdao."
The EAS4 service will focus capabilities on Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. The new rotation will be:"Shanghai–Ningbo–Nansha-Singapore–Port Kelang–Dar-Es-Salaam–Port Kelang–Singapore–Shanghai.
