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Mediterranean Shipping Co. has opened cargo bookings for its standalone network for the East/West trades launching in February 2025
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MSC also updated its service maps and transit times for both export/import and intra-Asia services
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The carrier said the standalone network will provide its customers “enhanced choice of direct port pair connections, extensive ocean freight trade coverage, and unrivalled connectivity”
Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) has opened cargo bookings for its standalone network for the East/West trades launching in February 2025.
MSC also updated its service maps and transit times for both export/import and intra-Asia services, the company said in a service update.
The Geneva-based carrier last September announced its standalone network that will replace the current 2M VSA agreement it has with Maersk on the East/West trades. The two carriers earlier said they have mutually agreed to terminate the agreement that started in 2015 to allow both companies to pursue their individual strategies.
READ: Maersk, MSC ending 2M alliance in January 2025
MSC’s standalone network will allow the carrier to provide an independent and complete network for East/West trades, including five trades with 34 loops incorporating seven loops for Asia North Europe, six loops for Asia Mediterranean, four loops for Asia North America West Coast, six loops for Asia North America East Coast, and 11 loops for the Transatlantic Network.
It provides the option of weekly services via Suez with more than 1,900 direct port pairs or the Cape of Good Hope with more than 1,800 direct port pairs.
“Due to our customers’ enduring trust and confidence in our services, MSC today has the fleet size and strength to operate as an alliance-free carrier,” the carrier said in its service update.
“This operational independence gives us the adaptability and flexibility required to support your business as efficiently as possible,” it added.
MSC said the standalone network will provide customers “an enhanced choice of direct port pair connections, extensive ocean freight trade coverage, and unrivalled connectivity.”
Furthermore, its Asia-connected network, including intra-Asia, “will provide unmatched continental trade connectivity with Asia through a vast array of loops, competitive transit times and a high frequency of direct port calls.”
MSC said the 2025 East/West network and its options will not impact the tonnage or deployment for any other routes globally.
