MSC has launched a new Europe–Red Sea–Middle East Express service to strengthen connections between Europe and key Middle Eastern markets.
The new service responds to growing demand for trade between Europe and the Red Sea, as well as ongoing operational challenges in the region.
Direct links to key Red Sea ports
The service will connect major European ports directly with:
- King Abdullah Port (Saudi Arabia)
- Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
- Aqaba (Jordan)
It will also offer onward connections to the UAE and Upper Gulf through multimodal solutions, including feeder and trucking services.
First sailing and port rotation
The first sailing is scheduled from Antwerp on 10 May (Voyage OC619 A).
The eastbound rotation will be:
Gdansk – Klaipeda – Bremerhaven – Antwerp – Valencia – Barcelona – Gioia Tauro – Abu Kir – King Abdullah – Jeddah – Aqaba.
Focus on reliability and transit times
MSC said the new service is designed to provide:
- Improved transit times
- Reliable schedules
- Competitive shipping options for all cargo types
The carrier will also leverage its wider European network, covering origins from Northwest Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic, West Mediterranean, Adriatic, East Mediterranean, and the Black Sea.
Supporting trade amid regional disruption
The launch comes as shipping lines continue to adapt to disruptions in the Middle East, including routing challenges and security concerns.
By strengthening direct connections and adding multimodal options, MSC aims to maintain supply chain continuity and flexibility for customers moving cargo between Europe and the Middle East.
