Hapag-Lloyd announced that it will launch its new regular service Maputo Express (MAX) starting in June, which will expand its Africa network with this bi-weekly cargo connection.

The direct service will operate between Jebel Ali (AE), Mundra (IN), and Maputo (MZ) in Mozambique.

Hapag-Lloyd said with this lean three-port rotation Hapag-Lloyd has created a new service with fast transit times from the Westcoast of India to the Eastcoast of Africa.

The shipping line noted that the stopover in the port of Jebel Ali, a Middle East hub for global cargo traffic, provides customers with further connections to the worldwide network. Hapag-Lloyd offers with this service also an in-bond transit between Maputo and Komatipoort (ZA), creating a unique transportation gateway towards the North of South Africa.

Tapping into Africa's potential

"This expansion shows the confidence Hapag-Lloyd has in Africa's potential. We connect a new destination with our global network, and we offer a competitive alternative for Johannesburg imports and Southern Africa exports through this new corridor. Plus we always aim at simplifying our network, especially with the current market challenges," said Jan Willem De Braal, senior director of Trade Africa.

"By calling at only a few strategic ports, we make planning easier and speed up transportation time," De Braal added.