August 17, 2020: A.P. Moller – Maersk has announced various improvements to its network between Europe and the Middle East & Indian Subcontinent. The aim, the carrier says, is to enhance reliability while building a network that helps customers build more resilient and agile supply chains.
The updated network will connect more cargo via the Maersk hub in Colombo as well as making greater use of facilities in Salalah. The North Europe and West Mediterranean regions will be served via Maersk’s AE1 and AE7 services which offer a direct connection with both of these key hubs.
As a result of the changes the ME1 service will be suspended without reducing overall capacity in the network. The changes will also reduce the need for ad-hoc blank sailings in times of volatile demand, providing greater supply chain predictability on these routes going forward, Maersk claims.
Highlights of the changes include new access for West India and Pakistan to Maersk’s cross-consolidation service in Colombo; a new direct connection between the Western Mediterranean and North West India through the ME 2 service; access to new inland destinations in Northern India; and the opportunity for customers to utilise the Maersk Flex Hub container storage solution in Salalah, Port Said, Tangiers and Algeciras.
Source: The Maritime Standard
