Global Carriers Expand Routes: New Services Target Asia, Africa & Mediterranean Trade Lanes

Leading shipping lines, including Maersk, CMA CGM, and Evergreen Marine, have announced significant route adjustments to enhance connectivity and meet surging demand in key markets. Freight forwarders and logistics providers are urged to update cargo plans to leverage faster transit times and expanded coverage.

Key Shipping Route Updates

1. CMA CGM Launches SEAS 3 Service for Asia-South America Trade
   The French carrier unveiled its new SEAS 3 route, tailored for cargo moving from Far East Asia to South America's East Coast.

Port Rotation: Shanghai – Shekou (China) – Vung Tau (Vietnam) – Singapore – Santos (Brazil) – Singapore – Shanghai.

Freight Forwarder Insight: Reduces transit times for Brazilian imports of electronics and machinery via optimized Asia-South America connections.

2. Evergreen Marine Debuts VTS Route for Southeast Asia Efficiency
   Evergreen's VTS service, launched on April 16 with the EVER CORE 094S, offers the fastest direct link from South China to Cambodia and Thailand.

Port Rotation: Shekou – Nansha (China) – Sihanoukville (Cambodia) – Laem Chabang (Thailand) – Singapore – Batam (Indonesia) – Port Klang (Malaysia) – Shekou.

Key Advantage: 5-day transit from Shekou to Sihanoukville, ideal for time-sensitive ASEAN-bound shipments.

Vessel Capacity: Two 2,000 TEU vessels, boosting regional feeder network flexibility.

3. Maersk Expands WAF3 Service to Mediterranean & North Africa
   Maersk's WAF3 routenow extends to the Mediterranean basin, adding Port Said (Egypt) to its rotation.

Port Rotation: Tangier (Morocco) – Port Said (Egypt) – Algeciras (Spain) – Tangier – Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) – Tangier.

Capacity Boost: Two additional 4,500 TEU vessels deployed, strengthening Europe-West Africa cargo flows.

Why Freight Forwarders Should Act Now

• Faster Transit Times:Leverage Evergreen's 5-day South China-Cambodia route for urgent shipments.
• Cost Optimization:CMA CGM's SEAS 3 service avoids congested hubs with direct Brazil calls.
• Market Expansion:Maersk's WAF3 upgrade supports Mediterranean-West Africa trade growth.