Maersk enhances service between India and North Europe

Maersk announced an upgrade to its ME2 ocean service to include port calls in North Europe, namely 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, says an official release.

"This extension of the ME2 service to key destinations in North Europe will benefit North India’s exporters, particularly those in the lifestyle and retail sectors. With upgraded service, manufacturers and exporters will get expedited access to important consumer markets in North Europe. The transit times for ocean transports between Mumbai ports and North Europe will be shortened by five to seven days. In the same way, on the backhaul from North Europe to India, the importers for the automotive sector will benefit from quicker transit times for automotive components coming into India."

Morten Juul, Head, Regional Ocean Management for Indian Subcontinent, Middle East & Africa, Maersk says: "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 expansion, the nominal capacity of the weekly ME2 service will remain unchanged. Maersk will add two additional vessels to the rotation to accommodate the extended coverage in North Europe, the release added.