Maersk launches weekly North Europe-Egypt service, cuts transit times
Direct port calls at Port Said and Alexandria eliminate the transhipment delays common at Mediterranean hubs.
EGYPT – Maersk has launched a new weekly ocean service connecting Northern Europe and Italy with Egypt, directly linking Gdansk, Bremerhaven, and Genoa to Port Said and Alexandria, thereby improving transit times and strengthening connectivity.
For freight forwarders and logistics managers handling time-sensitive cargo, the Baltic Sea – SLA service reduces reliance on indirect routing, shortens transit times, and offers greater reliability than complicated alternatives.
The service rotation is Gdansk, Bremerhaven, Genoa, Vado Ligure, Port Said East, Alexandria, Port Tangier, and back to Gdansk.
Fixed Weekly Rotation and Transit Reliability
“A fixed weekly rotation supports greater consistency in shipment planning, while fewer transhipments can help reduce variability in lead times,” Maersk outlined. “This is particularly relevant for supply chains that are increasingly sensitive to disruption and require greater control over inventory levels and delivery timelines.“
Direct port calls at Port Said and Alexandria eliminate the transhipment delays common at Mediterranean hubs.
Additionally, fixed weekly schedules enable precise coordination of reefer container bookings for perishable cargo moving between European and Egyptian markets. Fewer handling points reduce the risk of spoilage for temperature-sensitive horticultural shipments.
Trade Dynamics and Egypt’s Gateway Role
Trade between the EU and Egypt totalled approximately €32.3 billion (US$35 billion) in 2025. Italy is Egypt’s largest European trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching around US$6.6 billion in 2024.
On the other hand, Poland remains one of the EU’s fastest-growing economies, with GDP growth of approximately 3.5% expected to continue into 2026. Egypt exported goods worth over US$53 billion in 2024, with key markets including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Italy.
“At the same time, supply chain resilience remains a priority for many businesses. Ongoing disruptions have highlighted the importance of simpler, more predictable routings. Services with direct port calls can reduce dependency on multiple handling points, which may help limit delays and improve overall reliability,” Maersk said.
Strategic Alignment with Mediterranean Trade Flows
The development of the service reflects broader shifts in trade dynamics across Europe and the Mediterranean. Egypt’s position as a regional gateway further reinforces the relevance of the SLA service. From Port Said and Alexandria, cargo can connect to a broader network serving destinations worldwide.
The service strengthens Egypt’s position as a vital gateway for global cargo and offers businesses more predictable delivery timelines and greater control over inventory levels in a volatile global environment.
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