MSC Launches New Direct Service to Enhance West Africa Connectivity

MSC, the world’s largest container shipping line, has announced the launch of a new direct service aimed at improving connectivity between Europe and West Africa, specifically targeting Angola, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The service, which begins in November 2024, will offer faster transit times for dry, reefer, and project cargoes, marking MSC’s first direct route from North-West Continental (NWC) ports to these key regions.

The upgraded service will include direct calls to Pointe Noire, with transit times of 23 days from Rotterdam, 21 days from Antwerp, and 19 days from Le Havre. Luanda will also benefit, with transit times of 25 days from Rotterdam, 23 days from Antwerp, and 21 days from Le Havre. Additionally, feeder services from Pointe Noire will expand trade access to Matadi in DR Congo.

To support the new service, MSC is offering intermodal solutions for transporting goods from Pointe Noire to major inland destinations such as Kinshasa and Brazzaville. In Angola, intermodal services will facilitate cargo delivery from Luanda to other inland locations.

The service rotation will commence on November 25, 2024, with MSC SUEZ voyage WM448A. The route will include stops in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Le Havre, Casablanca, Las Palmas, Dakar, Conakry, Lome, Pointe Noire, and Luanda. This initiative complements MSC’s existing NWC to West Africa services, reinforcing the company’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity.

MSC’s move comes as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its presence in West Africa, a region increasingly seen as a vital hub for global trade. The new service is expected to significantly reduce transit times and improve efficiency for businesses operating in the region.