Danish shipping giant Maersk has announced a significant shift in its trade routes, bypassing the Spanish port of Algeciras and opting for a new stop at Tangier Med in Morocco.
This move, affecting the Maersk East Coast India service connecting India, Pakistan, and the Middle East to the US East Coast, aims to reduce transit times by an average of five days.
The revised route will see vessels calling at Jebel Ali (UAE), Mundra (India), Pipavav (India), Nhava Sheva (India), Salalah (Oman), Newark (US), Charleston (US), Savannah (US), Houston (US), Norfolk (US), Newark, Tangier, and Salalah, completely omitting any European ports.
While concerns have arisen regarding the impact of the EU’s new emissions tax (ETS) on trade flows, Maersk said that this decision is purely commercial.
“Maersk supports regional initiatives that promote the ecological transformation of maritime transport, including the EU ETS,” the company told EFE.
The company added that changes in shipping routes are common occurrences based on commercial considerations.
Despite this shift, Maersk reaffirmed its commitment to Algeciras. “The port of Algeciras is an absolute priority for APM Terminals,” the company said, highlighting its role as a key hub within their network.
The company pointed to a new cooperation with Gemini, involving 20,000 TEU ships calling at Algeciras as evidence of their continued support.
Tangier Med is Africa’s largest port and ranks among the top 25 container ports worldwide.The port is a key export hub for Moroccan-made cars, shipping over 500,000 vehicles annually. Major companies like Renault and Stellantis rely on Tangier Med to reach international markets.
With connections to more than 180 ports in 70 countries, Tangier Med plays a vital role in linking Morocco to the global economy. It facilitates around 30% of Morocco’s foreign trade value, making it an essential part of the country’s economic infrastructure.
Tangier Med also drives job creation, with over 80,000 direct and indirect jobs tied to the port and its surrounding industrial zones. Its free trade zones and advanced logistics facilities attract top international companies.
In addition to exports, the port serves as a transit point for imports, including machinery, fuel, and consumer goods.
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