MSC has updated its Gulf–South America East Coast (SAEC) service by adding a new port call at Itajaí, Brazil, enhancing network coverage and improving connectivity for cargo flows between the Middle East Gulf region and South America.
The new rotation introduces Itajaí as an additional gateway between Paranaguá and Santos, expanding access to southern Brazil’s industrial and agricultural export regions. The change is designed to strengthen service reliability and provide shippers with greater flexibility in routing cargo across key transcontinental trade lanes.
According to MSC, the inclusion of Itajaí will improve cargo distribution efficiency within Brazil and support growing demand for trade between South America and Gulf markets. The adjustment is part of ongoing network optimization efforts to align services with evolving trade patterns and customer requirements.
The updated service will begin with the MAERSK CHAMBAL voyage 618A/623R, marking the official integration of the new port call into the rotation.
Industry observers note that South America–Middle East trade has been expanding steadily, driven by demand for agricultural products, refrigerated cargo, and industrial goods, with carriers increasingly fine-tuning services to capture emerging opportunities.
By adding Itajaí, MSC aims to enhance port coverage in southern Brazil while maintaining competitive transit times and improving overall schedule reliability across the service network.