The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has unveiled significant upgrades to its shipping network in Southern Africa, aiming to bolster trade links with Europe and other global regions.
The company has enhanced its North Europe to South Africa (NWC to South Africa) service and introduced two new shuttle services—Namibia Express and Mozambique Shuttle—expanding regional and international trade opportunities.
Key Updates
- NWC to South Africa Service:
This service now includes a direct stop at Walvis Bay, Namibia, connecting North Europe with South Africa and Namibia. It offers seamless cargo movement between Europe and Southern Africa. - Namibia Express:
Linking Cape Town (South Africa) and Walvis Bay (Namibia), this new shuttle enables cargo from Europe to reach Namibia via transshipment in Cape Town. The first voyage, MSC Himanshi III (OA502A), departs Cape Town on January 8, 2025, and arrives in Walvis Bay on January 11, 2025. - Mozambique Shuttle:
Connecting ports in Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya, this service uses Walvis Bay as a transshipment hub for cargo destined for Maputo and Beira in Mozambique. The inaugural voyage, MSC Imma III (JO502A), departs Beira on January 14, 2025, and is expected in Walvis Bay by January 24, 2025.
Expanded Capabilities
Walvis Bay has been designated as a new transshipment hub for the region, enhancing cargo movement along Southern Africa’s west coast. These upgrades also strengthen MSC’s intra-Africa network, improving trade flows across key ports in the region.
The revised NWC to South Africa service rotation will commence with the MSC Rosaria (NZ504A) departing London Gateway on January 20, 2025, with stops at major European and African ports, including Rotterdam, Antwerp, Bremerhaven, and Durban.
MSC’s latest developments follow its recent announcement of an Emergency Operation Surcharge (EOS) increase in late 2024, further emphasizing its commitment to adapting to regional logistics demands.