Damietta

Shipping Arabia, October 26, 2026 – Hapag-Lloyd has announced a restructuring of its Asia–Europe container shipping network under the Gemini Cooperation, introducing the new Asia–South Europe 5 (SE5) service alongside revisions to five existing services connecting Asia with Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

The Hapag-Lloyd SE5 service forms part of a wider network adjustment scheduled to begin in mid-November 2026. The changes cover six services and include revised port rotations, additional calls and improved connections through major Mediterranean hubs.

The restructuring will affect four existing South Europe services, SE1, SE2, SE3 and SE4, as well as the North Europe Express 1 (NE1) service. Implementation will take place progressively, with each service transitioning according to its published sailing schedule.

Hapag-Lloyd SE5 Service to Connect Asia and the Western Mediterranean

The new Hapag-Lloyd SE5 service will establish direct connections between central and southern China and the western Mediterranean. Its rotation will operate through the Suez Canal, calling at Algeciras in Spain and Tanger Med in Morocco.

The service will also provide onward connections to West Africa through Tanger Med, extending access to additional markets through the Moroccan transshipment hub.

The announced port rotation will begin in Shanghai, followed by Xiamen and Tanjung Pelepas. Vessels will then transit the Suez Canal before calling at Algeciras and Tanger Med. The return leg will include a second call at Algeciras, another Suez Canal transit and Xiamen.

The first scheduled vessel will be Maersk Edirne, operating voyage 647W, with a planned call at Shanghai on November 22, 2026.

The new service adds another connection between Asian export markets and western Mediterranean ports within the Gemini Cooperation network, while incorporating both Algeciras and Tanger Med into its operating rotation.

Four South Europe Services Undergo Port Rotation Changes

Alongside the SE5 launch, Hapag-Lloyd will revise its existing SE1, SE2, SE3 and SE4 services. The adjustments will change port coverage across the Mediterranean, including several calls at Egyptian ports and additional connections through Salalah and Colombo.

Under the revised SE1 rotation, Algeciras will be replaced by calls at East Port Said and West Port Said in Egypt. Colombo will also be added to the eastbound rotation, strengthening connections between the Adriatic region, Sri Lanka and the wider Asian network.

The SE2 service will replace its westbound Tanger Med call with Port Said. Hapag-Lloyd will also introduce a westbound call at Salalah in Oman, while maintaining coverage of Valencia, Barcelona, La Spezia, Genoa and Vado Ligure.

Meanwhile, the SE3 service will operate a simplified Mediterranean rotation through Port Said and Damietta in Egypt. As part of the adjustment, the service will discontinue its eastbound call at Colombo.

Further changes will affect SE4, which will add Nansha in southern China while removing Shanghai from its rotation. The service will also introduce a westbound call at Damietta, complementing its existing call at Port Said.

Together, the revised Mediterranean services will alter connections between Asian export markets and Mediterranean ports, with Port Said and Damietta featuring in several of the updated rotations.

The changes also expand the role of regional connecting ports within the network, with additional calls in Egypt and Oman forming part of the revised service structure.

Rotterdam Becomes First European Call on Revised NE1 Service

Hapag-Lloyd will also restructure its North Europe Express 1 (NE1) service, changing the sequence of port calls between Asia and Northern Europe.

Under the revised arrangement, Rotterdam will become the first European port of call, replacing the previous rotation that included Tanger Med. The Moroccan port will be removed from the NE1 service.

The updated rotation will connect Ningbo, Shanghai and Tanjung Pelepas with Rotterdam, Wilhelmshaven and Bremerhaven. The service will then continue through Salalah and Singapore.

The first vessel affected by the revised NE1 schedule will be Moscow Maersk, operating voyage 646W. The vessel is scheduled to arrive at Ningbo on November 13, 2026, ahead of the wider network transition.

The NE1 adjustment forms part of the same restructuring program affecting the Mediterranean services, with changes to both the European port sequence and the service’s regional calls.

Phased Implementation From Mid-November

Hapag-Lloyd plans to introduce the network revisions progressively from mid-November 2026 rather than implementing all changes simultaneously.

Each affected service will transition according to its announced sailing schedule, beginning with the revised NE1 rotation and followed by the launch of SE5 later in November.

The overall restructuring combines the introduction of a new Asia–western Mediterranean service with modifications to existing connections across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and regional transshipment hubs.

Source: Al Mal

Shipping Arabia, October 25, 2026 – Maersk has announced a major expansion of its Gemini Cooperation network with Hapag-Lloyd, introducing the new AE18 service and revising five existing services across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The changes follow the previously announced rerouting of Asia-Mediterranean services through the Suez Canal.

The Maersk Gemini network expansion will reshape connections serving Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Sri Lanka and the Adriatic. The adjustments cover six services: AE18, AE2, AE11, AE19, ME2 and AE12, with implementation scheduled between November 2026 and January 2027.

The revised network will strengthen coverage at major Mediterranean hubs, introduce new port connections and reorganize existing services. It will also support additional shipping connections from Asia to West Africa and the east coast of Latin America.

Maersk Launches AE18 to Strengthen Western Mediterranean Coverage

The new AE18 service will operate alongside AE19, consolidating Gemini’s existing Western Mediterranean hub coverage. It will replace connections to Tangier and Algeciras previously provided by AE2, AE11 and AE12, while introducing a direct connection from Xiamen, China.

The service will connect Shanghai and Xiamen with Tanjung Pelepas, Algeciras and Tangier before returning through Algeciras and Xiamen.

The full AE18 rotation will be:

Shanghai – Xiamen – Tanjung Pelepas – Algeciras – Tangier – Algeciras – Xiamen.

Maersk Edirne, operating voyage 647W, will inaugurate the new service with a scheduled departure from Shanghai on November 22, 2026.

The introduction of AE18 forms a central part of the network restructuring, allowing Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to reorganize their existing Mediterranean coverage while maintaining connections through the Gemini network.

AE2, AE11 and AE19 Introduce New Port Connections

Alongside the introduction of AE18, Maersk will revise three established Asia-Europe services, with the first changes taking effect in mid-November.

AE2: Additional Rotterdam Connection

The AE2 service will replace its westbound Tangier call with Rotterdam, providing an additional connection from Ningbo and Shanghai to the Dutch port.

Moscow Maersk, operating voyage 646W, will be the first vessel affected by the revised rotation. Its departure from Ningbo is scheduled for November 15, 2026.

AE11: Salalah and Port Said Added to Westbound Coverage

The AE11 service will introduce a westbound call at Salalah, Oman, while replacing its westbound Tangier call with Port Said, Egypt.

The changes will establish additional shipping connections to and from Salalah while strengthening the service’s coverage through Port Said.

Estelle Maersk, voyage 647W, will operate the first affected sailing, departing Shanghai on November 17, 2026.

AE19: Nansha Replaces Shanghai as Damietta Joins the Rotation

The AE19 service will replace its Shanghai call with Nansha, introducing new coverage between the Chinese port and Europe.

In addition, Maersk will add Damietta, Egypt, to the service rotation, expanding the network’s Eastern Mediterranean connections.

The revised arrangements will begin with Ane Maersk, voyage 647W, scheduled to depart Xingang on November 18, 2026.

Together, these adjustments will redistribute existing port coverage across the Gemini network while introducing alternative connections through Rotterdam, Salalah, Port Said and Damietta.

ME2 Adds Jeddah to Connect Northern Europe With Saudi Arabia

Another significant element of the Maersk Gemini network expansion is the addition of Jeddah Islamic Port to the eastbound rotation of the ME2 service.

The change will establish a direct shipping connection between Northern Europe and Saudi Arabia, serving cargo moving from Rotterdam, London Gateway and Hamburg to Jeddah.

The revised ME2 rotation will be:

Ennore – Colombo – Suez Canal – Algeciras – Rotterdam – London Gateway – Hamburg – Tangier – Suez Canal – Jeddah – Colombo.

Maersk Tukang, operating voyage 649E, will be the first vessel affected by the revised service. Its scheduled arrival at Jeddah is December 20, 2026.

The inclusion of Jeddah expands the service’s eastbound coverage and provides an additional direct connection to Saudi Arabia from three major Northern European ports.

AE12 Restores Colombo Connection to Adriatic Ports Through East Port Said

Maersk will also transfer its Colombo call from AE15 to AE12, establishing a shipping connection between Sri Lanka and the Adriatic ports of Koper and Rijeka.

The revised AE12 service will operate through the Suez Canal and East Port Said, connecting Asian origins with the Adriatic before continuing eastbound toward Colombo and Singapore.

The full revised AE12 rotation will be:

Ningbo – Shanghai – Tanjung Pelepas – Suez Canal – Port Said East – Koper – Rijeka – Port Said East – Suez Canal – Colombo – Singapore.

Alva Maersk, voyage 652E, will be the first vessel to operate the revised rotation. The ship is expected to arrive at Colombo on January 12, 2027.

The transfer of Colombo to AE12 will create a connection between Sri Lanka and the Adriatic while providing onward shipping options from Colombo to destinations in southern India and Bangladesh.

The revised rotation will also reinforce the role of East Port Said in connecting Asian cargo flows with Mediterranean and Adriatic destinations through the Suez Canal.

Phased Implementation Across the Gemini Network

The network changes will take effect through a series of scheduled vessel departures and arrivals.

The first adjustments will begin with AE2 on November 15, followed by AE11 on November 17 and AE19 on November 18. The new AE18 service will launch on November 22, completing the initial phase of the Western Mediterranean network restructuring.

The changes will then extend to ME2, with the first affected Jeddah arrival scheduled for December 20, 2026. Finally, the revised AE12 rotation will take effect with the first affected Colombo arrival on January 12, 2027.

The wider network configuration will also support connections from Asia to West Africa and the east coast of Latin America.

Together, the six service adjustments represent a substantial reorganization of Gemini’s Asia-Europe and Middle East network following the rerouting of Asia-Mediterranean services through the Suez Canal.

Source: Al Mal News

Shipping Arabia, October 5, 2026 – The DFDS Damietta-Trieste service is set to double its sailing frequency as the Danish shipping and logistics group deploys a second vessel, Ark Futura, on the RoRo freight route linking Egypt and Italy from October 15, 2026.

The revised schedule will provide two weekly sailings in each direction. DFDS said the additional vessel will offer customers greater flexibility, more departure options and increased capacity to support supply chain continuity.

Second Vessel Expands Damietta-Trieste Capacity

DFDS launched the route in November 2024 as the first direct ferry freight connection between Egypt and Italy. The service has recorded notable growth since its introduction, prompting the company to increase both capacity and frequency.

Lars Hoffmann, Vice President and Head of the Mediterranean at DFDS, described the deployment of a second vessel as an important milestone for the route. He said Egypt represents a growing market and a trade hub connecting North Africa with Europe.

By increasing capacity and frequency, DFDS aims to strengthen what it considers a strategic trade corridor within its Mediterranean network. The expansion is also intended to provide additional opportunities for customers seeking efficient and reliable transport solutions.

Growing Trade Drives RoRo Demand

According to DFDS, increasing trade volumes between North Africa and Europe continue to generate demand for reliable transport solutions capable of handling fast and large freight flows.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are among the principal commodities transported on the service, alongside textiles and industrial goods. The introduction of the second vessel will increase DFDS’s ability to support these supply chains between Egypt and Europe.

Arif Akoz, Manager of the Damietta-Trieste route, said operating two vessels and providing two weekly departures in each direction will give customers greater flexibility, capacity and reliability. The expanded operation will also enable DFDS to respond more effectively to changing supply chain requirements and support growing trade flows between Egypt and Europe.

Two Weekly Departures From Each Port

Under the expanded DFDS Damietta-Trieste service schedule, vessels will depart Damietta twice each week, on Mondays and Fridays.

Trieste will also have two weekly departures, scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays. The new timetable therefore doubles the frequency of the connection while increasing the available freight capacity on the route.

The deployment of Ark Futura from October 15 will mark the next stage in the development of the service, which has operated between the two Mediterranean ports since late 2024.

Source: Al Mal

Shipping Arabia, September 28, 2026 – Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. has added MSC’s EMUSA service to its weekly schedule, strengthening maritime connectivity between the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe and the United States.

The agreement with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. will see the EMUSA service call at the terminal every week. The development forms part of the company’s efforts to diversify its maritime and logistics services and attract additional global shipping lines and liner services.

Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. said it continues to pursue commercial and operational initiatives aimed at expanding the range of services calling at the terminal. The company is supporting those efforts with its infrastructure, operational capabilities and capacity to handle large vessels in line with the requirements of global shipping lines.

MSC MOMBASA Marks First EMUSA Call

The first EMUSA service call took place on Monday, September 21, 2026, when MSC MOMBASA berthed at Container Berth No. 1.

Adm. Dr. Rafik Galal Ibrahim, CEO of Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co., said the call marked the start of weekly EMUSA operations at the terminal and represented a new addition to its network of liner services.

He said the new service would support the company’s efforts to increase handling volumes and broaden cooperation with major global shipping lines.

Terminal Records Strong Vessel Productivity

Operations on MSC MOMBASA began at 3:30 a.m. on September 21 and were completed at 11:00 p.m. the same day.

The terminal deployed ship-to-shore gantry cranes for the operation and recorded average productivity of around 27 container moves per crane per hour. Overall vessel productivity reached approximately 85 containers per hour.

The company said the results reflected the terminal’s operational efficiency and its ability to achieve vessel-handling performance levels that meet the requirements of international shipping lines.

Expanding Damietta’s Liner Service Network

Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. said it will continue its marketing and operational efforts to attract additional maritime services.

The company said its infrastructure and operational capabilities support its ability to receive large vessels and meet the evolving requirements of global carriers. It also linked the expansion of its service network to efforts to strengthen its competitiveness and its role in container handling across the Eastern Mediterranean.

The development comes in implementation of directives from Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, and in line with the national vision of strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional and global center for maritime transport, logistics services and transit trade.

Source: Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co.

Shipping Arabia, September 27, 2026 – Rising container freight rates on services from Asia are adding further cost pressure to Egyptian trade, as shipping and operating expenses increase across supply chains, according to Amr El-Samdouni, Secretary-General of the International Transport and Logistics Division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce.

El-Samdouni said current freight quotations from Chinese ports to Damietta indicate elevated container transport costs. Rates vary significantly depending on the shipping line, route and sailing date.

The cost of shipping a 20-foot container currently ranges from $3,350 to $4,075, while rates for a 40-foot container range from $5,100 to $5,375.

China–Damietta freight rates remain elevated

El-Samdouni said the published rates cover shipments from Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao and Shanghai to Damietta.

From Ningbo to Damietta, the rate on ONE’s direct service stands at around $3,350 for a 20-foot container and $5,100 for a 40-foot container.

On YML services from Ningbo, the corresponding rates rise to approximately $3,950 for a 20-foot container and $5,150 for a 40-foot container.

Rates from Shanghai vary more widely. A 20-foot container costs between $3,400 and $4,075, while a 40-foot container is quoted at between $5,175 and $5,375, depending on the carrier.

Some services also include additional charges. These include an ENS fee of $35 per bill of lading, as well as overweight surcharges for containers exceeding specified weight thresholds.

Depending on the shipment weight, overweight charges on some services can add as much as $600 to the cost of a 20-foot container.

Higher freight costs spread through supply chains

El-Samdouni said these freight levels directly affect the cost of Egyptian imports, particularly production inputs, raw materials and intermediate goods.

He added that higher shipping costs can also affect the cost of Egyptian products destined for foreign markets, increasing the need for close monitoring of maritime freight market developments.

The impact, he said, does not stop at the ocean freight rate itself. Higher transport costs can spread through the wider supply chain, affecting storage, inland transportation, insurance and port-related services.

If elevated maritime transport costs continue for extended periods, the cumulative effect could raise the final cost of goods.

Egypt’s ports and Suez Canal gain strategic importance

El-Samdouni said higher maritime transport costs reinforce the importance of Egypt’s geographic position, the Suez Canal and the country’s ports.

He said Egypt could use these advantages to attract more shipping lines and provide integrated logistics services for vessels and cargo.

However, he stressed that improving the competitiveness of Egyptian ports depends on more than transit charges or the cost of individual services.

According to El-Samdouni, a competitive port system also requires faster cargo clearance, improved logistics services, greater container-handling efficiency and stronger links between ports, industrial zones and distribution centers.

Red Sea and routing decisions remain key freight factors

El-Samdouni said marine fuel prices, developments affecting navigation in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, and shipping lines’ decisions on vessel routing will remain important factors in determining freight rate trends during the coming period.

He also said Egypt has an opportunity to make greater use of its strategic location by developing its ports and the Suez Canal into integrated centers for trade, logistics services and re-export activity.

Such development, he said, could help reduce the impact of fluctuations in global transport costs while supporting the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.

Source: Erem Business