MSC Expands Australia Network
MSC is launching significant new services in Australia, primarily the standalone “Eagle Service” in February 2026, offering direct routes from Oceania to the US East Coast, and expanding its “Koala Service” to include Melbourne and direct Adelaide calls, strengthening Asia-Australia trade. These enhance direct connections, boost reliability, and provide more choices for shippers on vital trade lanes.
Key New & Enhanced Services
- Eagle Service (ANZ to US East Coast):
- Launch: February 2026.
- Details: A standalone service replacing slot-charter agreements, ensuring direct, weekly service with 11 vessels.
- Ports: Includes Philadelphia, Savannah, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Tauranga, with Panama connections to Europe/Americas.
- Koala Service Expansion (Asia-Australia):
- Details: Extended to include Melbourne and direct calls to Adelaide (via transhipment in Sydney for now), increasing frequency and reliability.
- Ports: Shanghai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne, back to Shanghai.
Other Service Updates
- New Wallaby Service (China-Aus): Focuses on Fremantle, Adelaide, and NZ, utilizing transhipment via Sydney for these ports on the Australia Express return leg to Europe.
- Kiwi Service: Already upgraded in 2023 to directly connect Oceania with Thailand.
What This Means for Australia
- More Direct Options: Reduces reliance on transhipment for key ports like Adelaide and Melbourne.
- Improved Transit: Faster, more reliable links to North America and Asia.
- Increased Capacity: More vessels and better service frequency.