HMM has unveiled a new Mediterranean–West Africa Service (MA2), reinforcing its hub-and-spoke strategy and strengthening connectivity between major transhipment hubs and emerging African markets.
The service, set to begin in July 2026, will utilise Algeciras as a central Mediterranean hub, linking it with key West African ports.
The structure is designed to improve port connectivity and operational efficiency, while integrating with HMM’s main east–west trade lanes.
Operated in partnership with Ocean Network Express (ONE), the MA2 service will deploy five 2,800 TEU vessels. The inaugural sailing is scheduled for the second week of July from Algeciras, with a full round voyage of 35 days.
The port rotation includes Algeciras, Tangier, Dakar, Tema, Lekki and Abidjan, forming a loop aimed at supporting cargo flows across strategically important West African gateways.
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From a port and terminal perspective, the service is expected to enhance utilisation at hub locations while improving feeder access into regional markets, particularly as demand for intra-regional and intercontinental connectivity continues to grow.
An HMM official said: “The MA2 service will serve as a strategic gateway, effectively linking HMM’s core main-haul services with the high-potential emerging markets of Africa. Grounded in our hub-and-spoke strategy, we will continue to build a more comprehensive global network and grow alongside our customers by delivering differentiated value.”
The launch comes amid a broader expansion of HMM’s feeder capacity, with the carrier securing 24 vessels over the past six months.
This includes newbuild orders and second-hand acquisitions ranging from 1,800 TEUs to 2,800 TEUs, supporting its wider network development and port connectivity strategy.
