With the new network, Maersk Line significantly improves schedule reliability while retaining competitive coverage and transit times.

Network changes apply to Maersk Line’s Asia-North Europe and Asia-Mediterranean strings.

Westbound sailings will start early May.

Maersk Line announces changes to its services connecting Asia and Europe to focus on improving the reliability of the world’s most comprehensive Asia-Europe network. Enhancements address customers’ needs for stable and efficient services and allow for competitive coverage of ports and main markets in both Asia and Europe.

“We are pleased to provide our customers with this revised network, which will offer them a higher level of cargo arrival reliability”, comments Johan Sigsgaard, Maersk Line’s Head of Europe Trade.

Port congestions and weather conditions have, among other factors, traditionally impacted reliability on Asia-Europe services. Changes introduced by Maersk Line will address these challenges by significantly improving buffers in schedules, making it easier to accommodate potential disruptions and thus minimising the impact on service delivery.

“Forced port omissions disrupt cargo flows and impact our customers’ supply chains. This network is designed to reduce the necessity to omit ports”, adds Johan Sigsgaard.

As part of the new network, reliability will be enhanced by reducing the amount of duplicate port calls and allocating more buffer time around hub ports. Overall on North European and Mediterranean strings, there will be a reduction of 17 port calls, with an additional vessel added to the network.

The revised portfolio will in addition allow Maersk Line to better balance available capacity across markets, reducing the risk of oversupply and providing strengthened services to key Asian and European ports. Direct coverage to all main markets has been maintained, with tailored products designed for North European, Mediterranean, and Adriatic countries and with attractive coverage of main Middle East markets.

First Westbound sailings on Maersk Line’s revised Asia-Europe network will take place in May.