Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced via its official website the launch of a new direct service connecting South America with the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi serving as a strategic transshipment hub. The service, tailored for reefer cargo, is scheduled to commence in October with the vessel MSC Shreya B. on voyage QJ539R departing from Itajaí.
According to MSC, the new connection is designed to meet growing demand for faster, more reliable cargo flows between South America’s exporters and key Gulf import markets. The service promises competitive transit times, with reefer shipments expected to reach Abu Dhabi in under 33 days, Shuwaikh in 38 days, and Hamad in 39 days.
The carrier emphasized on its website that the dedicated corridor will strengthen trade links for perishable commodities, particularly benefiting producers in Argentina and Brazil supplying fresh products to Middle Eastern consumers.
The updated rotation for the new service will be:
Buenos Aires – Rio Grande – Itajai – Navegantes – Paranagua – Santos – Rio de Janeiro – Walvis Bay – Abu Dhabi – Singapore – Qingdao – Busan – Ningbo – Shanghai – Shekou – Singapore – Colombo – Rio de Janeiro – Santos – Paranagua – Itapoa – Itajai – Buenos Aires.
By designating Abu Dhabi as a regional hub, MSC is positioning the emirate as a pivotal gateway for cargo distribution across the Gulf, reinforcing its role in the company’s global network.
The move, MSC highlighted in its website announcement, underscores its strategy of deepening connectivity between emerging trade corridors while enhancing the efficiency of refrigerated cargo logistics.
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