MSC and Ocean Network Express (ONE) will renew their vessel-sharing agreement on the weekly service connecting Asia with the East Coast of South America.
The current three-carrier arrangement involving MSC, ONE and Hapag-Lloyd will end in its existing configuration. MSC and ONE will then jointly operate the service without Hapag-Lloyd.
MSC markets the service as Ipanema, while ONE uses the East Coast South America Express 1, or SX1, brand.
MSC and ONE VSA starts in April
The new MSC and ONE VSA will begin in April 2027. MSC said the first sailing under the revised agreement will depart Shanghai on 3 April.
MSC plans to deploy additional vessels following Hapag-Lloyd’s departure. However, the carrier did not disclose the number or capacity of the additional ships.
The partners will maintain fixed-day weekly sailings between major Asian origins and the East Coast of South America.
The service will provide direct calls at Santos, Paranaguá, Navegantes and Rio Grande in Brazil. It will also serve Montevideo in Uruguay and Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Tentative Ipanema and SX1 rotation
Shanghai – Ningbo – Shekou – Hong Kong – Singapore – Santos – Paranaguá – Navegantes – Montevideo – Buenos Aires – Rio Grande – Paranaguá – Navegantes – Santos – Singapore – Hong Kong – Shanghai.
ONE noted that the rotation remains subject to further operational review.
The revised structure aims to improve schedule reliability and maintain direct coverage between key Asian ports and South American markets.
