New weekly shipping service links North Europe and Egypt
Maersk is introducing a new weekly ocean service connecting North Europe and Italy with Egypt, aimed at improving transit times and strengthening connectivity across a corridor showing continued growth in trade volumes and economic activity.
The Baltic Sea - SLA service links Gdansk, Bremerhaven, and Genoa (Vado Ligure) with Port Said and Alexandria, offering a direct routing into Egypt and the wider East Mediterranean. The service is intended to reduce reliance on indirect routings, shorten transit times, and improve reliability.
The service rotation is:
Gdansk – Bremerhaven – Genoa Vado Ligure – Port Said East – Alexandria – Port Tangier – Gdansk
A fixed weekly rotation is expected to support shipment planning consistency, while fewer transhipments may reduce variability in lead times. This is increasingly relevant for supply chains focused on inventory control and delivery reliability.
The launch reflects broader trade developments across Europe and the Mediterranean. According to the European Commission, trade between the European Union and Egypt reached approximately €32.3 billion in 2025. Italy remains Egypt's largest European trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching around US$6.6 billion in 2024.
Growth in North Europe is also influencing demand patterns. Poland remained one of the faster-growing EU economies, with GDP growth of around 3.6% in 2025 and forecasts of approximately 3.5% for 2026. This growth is contributing to higher import demand and increasing interest in direct maritime connections with Egypt.
Egypt's role as a regional gateway also supports demand for the service. From Port Said and Alexandria, cargo can connect into wider shipping networks serving multiple global destinations. Egypt exported goods worth more than US$53 billion in 2024, with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Italy among its main export markets.
At the same time, supply chain resilience remains a priority for businesses following recent disruptions. Direct port calls can reduce dependence on multiple handling points, potentially limiting delays and improving operational reliability.
In trade corridors where transit time and connectivity remain key considerations, changes in routing and service frequency continue to influence supply chain planning and cargo allocation decisions.
By introducing regular direct calls between North Europe, Italy, and Egypt, the SLA service aligns with current trade flows and demand for simpler and more predictable logistics connections.