Ship with Confidence in Challenging Times

Since February 2025, MSC’s standalone East/West Network has been fully in service, shaping the future of global shipping. Designed with customers in mind, the network offers the choice of direct port pairs, flexibility and speed they need, to operate in an era of elevated risks and evolving supply chain patterns. This standalone network replaces MSC’s previous 2M Vessel Sharing Agreement with Maersk on East/West trades.

“Operating independently and without alliance constraints, MSC can rapidly adjust to global events or market changes, ensuring cargo movement remains uninterrupted to keep our customers’ businesses moving. This strategic growth underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled flexibility, efficiency, and reliability in ocean shipping,” Mr. Gaspard Vandamme, Managing Director of MSC Thailand noted.

Backed by a fleet of over 900 vessels with a carrying capacity of more than 6 million TEUs, MSC’s standalone network gives customers unmatched control and responsiveness. Thailand, positioned within a critical hub of international trade and an important market to MSC, stands to benefit from the network’s tailored-made solutions, unrivalled connectivity, and comprehensive worldwide coverage.

Strengthening Thailand’s Global Trade Position

MSC’s standalone East/West network spans 34 loops across 5 major trade corridors. These include 7 loops for Asia North Europe, 6 loops for Asia Mediterranean, 4 loops for Asia North America West Coast, 6 loops for Asia North America East Coast, and 11 loops for the Transatlantic Network, facilitating direct port calls and shorter transit times for both Thai exporters and importers.

The world’s largest container shipping company provides the optionality of weekly services via Suez with more than 1,900 direct port pairs or the Cape of Good Hope with more than 1,800 direct port pairs. To prioritize the safety of its seafarers while ensuring consistent, predictable service for its clients, it has currently opted for the Cape routing until further notice.

“Thai businesses can now operate with greater confidence, knowing that MSC’s independent network will provide them with more port pair choices and help insulate their procurement patterns from unforeseen events. By continuously assessing trade conditions, MSC ensures that routing decisions are optimized to support long-term supply chain resilience,” said Ms. Rungruedee Kurutuch, Deputy Managing Director of MSC Thailand.

Empowering Thai Exporters with Greater Flexibility and Reach  

MSC’s independent network presents tangible advantages for Thai exporters, particularly those engaging in trade with Europe and North America:

• Transshipment hub shift from Malaysia to Singapore, at Tuas Port, a joint venture between PSA and Terminal Investment Limited (MSC’s terminals arm), ensures priority berthing for MSC vessels, enhancing efficiency and agility for cargoes transiting in Singapore.
• Direct connectivity to North America, leveraging the Sentosa and America services to strengthen trade links.
• Expanded feeder services, including Thai Express for Europe and Mediterranean trade, Seahorse for Oceania via Jakarta, and Saola feeder connecting China to Oceania, Latin America, and Transpacific routes, ensuring uninterrupted global market access.

“Reliable and efficient service is paramount for exporters handling high-demand commodities such as solar panels, foodstuffs, and rubber tires. This network enhancement translates into faster, more seamless transit solutions that support the long-term business growth of Thai exporters,” stated Mr. Viroj Rekacharoenphan, Export Commercial Manager.

Optimizing Import Logistics with Faster Transit Times

The network overhaul also enhances import efficiencies, reducing transshipment complexities, cutting costs and streamlining supply chains. Key service improvements include:

• The Swan and Griffin services now provide direct links from North Europe, connecting Thailand to major industrial centers across Scandinavia, Belgium, Germany, and the UK.
• The Lynx service enables streamlined Mediterranean imports, mitigating previous transshipment-related delays.
• The America service offers reliable direct calls from the USA East Coast, improving cargo flow and delivery speed to Thailand.
• The Thai Express feeder service facilitates accelerated cargo movement from Singapore to Laem Chabang, ensuring greater logistics reliability.

“The expanded number of direct calls to Thailand enhances operational predictability for importers. Coupled with MSC’s robust feeder network, businesses now benefit from faster, more efficient supply chain solutions,” said Mr. Sanchai Korsa-ngar-luk, Import Commercial Manager & Laem Chabang Branch Head.

Expanding Global Connectivity

Beyond the East/West Network, MSC continues to strengthen its global connectivity through strategic slot-sharing agreements, such as with The Premier Alliance to provide an extended service, enhance efficiency, and optimize capacity.

By leveraging this collaboration, MSC ensures broader market coverage while maintaining the agility to respond to shifting trade demands and operational challenges.

Investing in Inland Infrastructure and Customer Support

As part of its commitment to enhancing supply chain efficiency through integrated transportation solutions, MSC has strengthened its inland logistics network in Thailand through MEDLOG, its logistics division. Recent investments in Bangkok and Laem Chabang depots ensure faster and more streamlined operations for customers, improving cargo handling and inland connectivity.

Additionally, MSC continues to engage closely with its customers through industry events, such as the MSC East/West Network Customer Event in February 2025, where businesses gained deeper insights into the network’s long-term benefits and how it supports their evolving logistics needs.

Driving Success for Thai Businesses

With unrivalled fleet capacity, expansive direct port pair options, and a trialed and tested direct shipment model, MSC continues to deliver unmatched reliability even in the face of major disruption. Coupled with its reinforced inland logistics capabilities in Thailand, MSC provides businesses with the competitive advantage required to thrive in an era of elevated uncertainty.

Whether it’s dry, reefer, or liquid cargo, MSC’s extensive connectivity and dedicated customer support ensure that cargo moves with efficiency and precision. For the latest updates on MSC’s standalone East/West network, visit its official homepage or contact MSC Thailand’s local experts at tha-info@msc.com.

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