A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has announced substantial enhancements to its ME2 ocean service.
Beginning in the third week of April, the ME2 service will include port visits to key North European destinations such as Rotterdam, Felixstowe, and Bremerhaven.
The future port rotation of the ME2 service will be:
Port Tangier – Algeciras – Rotterdam – Felixstowe – Bremerhaven – Port Tangier – Salalah – Jebel Ali – Mundra – Nhava Sheva – Port Tangier.
This planned expansion of the ME2 service to important locations in North Europe would assist North Indian exporters, notably those in the leisure and retail industries.
Manufacturers and exporters will benefit from improved service as they get faster access to significant consumer markets in North Europe.
Ocean shipping durations between Mumbai ports and North Europe would be reduced by five to seven days. Similarly, on the backhaul from North Europe to India, automotive component importers will benefit from faster transit times.
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Morten Juul, Head of Regional Ocean Management for Indian Subcontinent, Middle East & Africa at Maersk, said: “Maersk is committed to delivering faster and more reliable ocean services. With the enhancements made to the ME2 service, we are emphasising our commitment towards one of the most important trade routes.
“By adding port calls to key destinations in North Europe, we are empowering our customers with faster access to the vital market, thereby enabling them to capitalise on business opportunities and increase their competitiveness.”
Despite the augmentation, the weekly ME2 service’s nominal capacity will not change. Maersk will add two more vessels to the rotation to suit the increased coverage in North Europe.
On 13 April, Maersk announced enhancements to its ME2 service which will now extend its coverage to North Europe.