Global shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has removed the Indian port of Vizhinjam from its Middle East–Indian Subcontinent–Africa (ME/ISC–Africa) service, a move reflecting further optimisation of its network on this key trade lane.
The change affects the India Africa Service (IAS) rotation, which previously connected the Middle East and Indian subcontinent to several ports in South and West Africa. Under the revised schedule, the service now calls at major hubs including Jebel Ali, Khalifa, Sohar, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and then onward to African ports such as Ngqura, Abidjan, Tema, Lome, Cotonou, Kribi and Cape Town before returning to Jebel Ali.
Industry analysts say the adjustment is part of MSC’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune its service coverage and respond to evolving trade patterns and customer demand across global east–west and north–south routes.
The removal of Vizhinjam from this service comes amid broader shifts in shipping strategies and port calls worldwide, as carriers balance operational efficiency with changing cargo flows.