MSC upgrades east/west network services to enhance global port connectivity

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced a major upgrade to its independent east/west network service, strengthening connectivity between Asia, Europe, the United States and Canada by adding additional port calls. The updates, which will take effect in February 2025, reflect MSC's ongoing commitment to expanding its ocean freight network, providing customers with more direct port-to-port options, and ensuring competitive transit times.

Mustang service integration

As part of this enhancement, MSC is integrating Mustang services, which connect Asia to the northwestern US and Canada, into its east/west network. The updated rotation includes the following ports: Xiamen, Yantian, Ningbo, Shanghai, Busan, Seattle, Vancouver, Portland and Busan.

New Vietnam stops

In addition, connectivity between Asia and North America is further strengthened by calls at new ports in Vung Tau and Hai Phong, Vietnam, through the Pearl and Chinook service routes.

Asia-Europe Trade Network Improvement

MSC's Asia-Europe trade network will also be significantly improved, including:

• Lion Air and Dragon Air routes will call at new ports in Nansha.
• The Swan-Sentosa route will add a westbound stop in Shiota and fly nonstop to Japan via Yokohama, replacing the previous stop in Busan.
• The Jade route will now call at the Indian port of Vizinjam before heading to the Mediterranean.
• The Dragon service will replace Colombo with Wizinjam on its eastbound route.

Trade between Asia and Northern Europe

For trade between Asia and Northern Europe , the Britannia route will now include a call in Colombo. Similarly, the Port of Colombo will be added to the Americas route from the East Coast of the United States eastbound back to Asia.

United States East and West Coast Connection

The Orient and Lonestar routes will introduce a westbound stop in Busan, connecting U.S. west coast and east coast trade with Asia, respectively.

European port of call adjustments

The Albatros route will adjust its European port of call, adding the London gateway after Felixstowe.

These latest 2025 East/West network updates and their options will not affect tonnage or deployment on any other routes it offers globally, MSC said. Through these improvements, MSC will continue to provide customers with efficient and reliable marine freight services that meet the needs of global trade.