Global shipping lines Hapag-Lloyd and MSC have announced adjustments to their joint ECX/NWC to SAEC string 1 service rotation, removing direct calls at Itapoa and transitioning the port to a transshipment model via Rio de Janeiro.

This decision marks a significant operational shift with consequences for port traffic, shipping costs, and supply chain dynamics in the South American trade lanes.

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Key Service Changes

• Direct Removal: Itapoa has been removed from the ECX/NWC to SAEC string 1 rotation.
• New Routing: Cargo to/from Itapoa will now move through Rio de Janeiro as the hub port.
• MSC Continuity: Itapoa remains part of MSC’s MSE/West Med to SAEC service, providing some continuity for shippers.

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Service Itineraries

1. ECX/NWC to SAEC String 1 (Joint Service)

• Rotterdam
• London (Gateway)
• Hamburg
• Bremerhaven
• Antwerp
• Le Havre
• Sines
• Rio de Janeiro
• Santos
• Buenos Aires
• Montevideo
• Rio Grande
• Itajai (Navegantes)
• Paranagua
• Salvador
• Pecem
• Tangier
• Return to Rotterdam

2. MSE/West Med to SAEC (MSC)

• Valencia
• Barcelona
• Leghorn
• Genoa
• Suape
• Rio de Janeiro
• Santos
• Paranagua
• Itapoa
• Navegantes
• Los Palmas
• Malaga (MSC exclusively)
• Return to Valencia

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Potential Impacts of the Service Change

1. Operational Efficiency
   • Greater reliance on Rio de Janeiro as a transshipment hub.
   • Possible congestion and extended transit times.
2. Cost Implications
   • Higher costs for shippers due to extra handling.
   • Potential adjustments in freight rates.
3. Market Dynamics
   • Shippers may explore alternative carriers offering direct calls.
   • Competitors could gain share by filling service gaps.
4. Port Operations
   • Itapoa: decline in direct calls, impacting local activity.
   • Rio de Janeiro: increased cargo pressure.
5. Customer Experience
   • Possible delays and supply chain disruptions.
   • Freight forwarders face added complexity in planning.
6. Environmental Impact
   • Transshipment could alter carbon footprint depending on efficiency.
7. Stakeholder Reactions
   • Customer feedback may influence future service adjustments.

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Key Data from the Service Change

Aspect	Details
Carriers Involved	Hapag-Lloyd & MSC (Joint Service)
Service Affected	ECX/NWC to SAEC string 1
Change	Itapoa removed from direct rotation
New Routing	Cargo for Itapoa handled via Rio de Janeiro transshipment
Itapoa in Other Service	Still served in MSC’s MSE/West Med to SAEC rotation
Main Risk	Longer transit times & increased handling costs
Port Impact	Less direct traffic at Itapoa, higher volumes at Rio de Janeiro
Market Effect	Potential shift to competitors offering direct calls
Environmental Factor	Transshipment could raise or lower emissions depending on efficiency

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Conclusion

The removal of Itapoa from Hapag-Lloyd and MSC’s joint ECX/NWC to SAEC string 1 service highlights the growing importance of hub-and-spoke transshipment models in global container shipping. While the adjustment may streamline carrier operations, it poses new challenges for shippers, ports, and logistics providers who must now adapt to longer transit times, potential congestion, and shifting trade dynamics.