Hapag-Lloyd will begin taking a small number of slots on Maersk’s MECL service, which connects the United States with the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The agreement covers 60 TEU eastbound and 10 TEU westbound, reserved for “preference cargoes” that are expected to move on U.S.-flagged vessels whenever possible.
The MECL service, largely operated with U.S.-flag tonnage, follows the rotation: New York – Charleston – Savannah – Houston – Norfolk – New York – Tangier – Jebel Ali – Mundra – Pipavav – Nhava Sheva – Salalah – New York.
The cooperation allows Hapag-Lloyd to offer additional coverage on a key trade lane while ensuring cargo eligible for U.S.-flag carriage can be moved accordingly.
