MSC is launching an alternative route to the Middle East that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz
MSC is launching a new logistics route between Europe and the Gulf region, combining sea and road transport through Saudi Arabia instead of passing through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
This was reported by Bloomberg.
The world’s largest container carrier, Mediterranean Shipping Co. SA, stated in a press release published on Saturday that the first voyage will depart on May 10 from Antwerp, on a route that includes stops in Germany, Italy, and Spain.
The container ship will pass through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea and call at two ports on the western coast of Saudi Arabia—Jeddah and King Abdullah Port.
From there, the network uses trucks to reach the eastern coast of the peninsula, where feeder vessels will connect to “maritime gateways,” including Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali in Dubai.
Thus, the MSC route bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, connecting Europe with the ports of the Persian Gulf.
Trucks will transport cargo between King Abdullah Port near Jeddah and Dammam, with maritime connections to Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
As a reminder, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked to Iranian exports until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached.
Ukraine is ready to deploy at least two mine-sweeping ships to the international operation to clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines.
The Times reported that Ukraine could send all four of its mine-sweeping ships, which are based in Britain, to the Strait of Hormuz.
