MSC enhances Asia-Latin America network through new VSA

March 07 2019 Print This Article

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is optimising its Asia-South America east coast network through a new vessel-sharing agreement (VSA) with two other carriers. The new arrangements will slash transit times on MSC’s Ipanema service by at least a week.

The VSA between MSC, Hapag Lloyd and Ocean Network Express (ONE) will take effect from 15 December 2018, with the first vessel departing Busan, South Korea.

The revised network will ensure extensive coverage for shippers moving cargo from Asia to the main South American east coast markets. Transit times from Far East ports to destinations such as Navegantes, in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, will be reduced by at least 7 days compared with MSC’s current service.

The Ipanema service new port rotation will be Busan –  Shanghai –  Ningbo – Shekou – Yantian – Hong Kong – Singapore –  Santos – Paranagua – Navegantes – Montevideo – Buenos Aires – Rio Grande – Navegantes – Paranagua – Santos – Coega – Port Kelang – Singapore – Hong Kong – Busan