A new container service with direct traffic between the Port of Gothenburg and Asia is now launched by MSC, the world's largest container shipping company. Every week, MSC vessels with a capacity of over 15,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) will transport goods between the Port of Gothenburg and ports in China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

“MSC's decision to continue its commitment to the Port of Gothenburg is a very positive development for Swedish industry. Combined with our unique rail system, Railport Scandinavia, import and export regions across Sweden will have a direct connection to Asia via the Port of Gothenburg in a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable manner,” said Claes Sundmark, Vice President Sales & Marketing at the Port of Gothenburg.

The first vessel in the service – MSC Auriga with a capacity of over 15,000 TEU – called at the Port of Gothenburg on Sunday evening. After unloading and loading, the ship will depart for Asia and ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Yokohama, Singapore, and Busan – all of which are important for Swedish import and export businesses. The service also reaches new and growing markets like Vietnam and Thailand.

UNIQUE DIRECT SERVICE
“We are delighted to introduce our standalone network to the Swedish market through the Port of Gothenburg. Our customers will benefit from MSC’s unique direct service coupled with consistent high quality of service. MSC will continue to enhance our end-to-end transportation solutions to meet both existing and new customer’s demand,” said Fredrik Magaji, Commercial Director at MSC Sweden, and continued:

“Over the past five years, one lesson stands out, the business landscape is ever-changing. As MSC we have the strength and the breadth of our fleet enabling us to respond very rapidly to events around the world.”

"ALL CONDITIONS IN PLACE"
In addition to the new direct service between the Port of Gothenburg and Asia, MSC offers two additional sailings per week. Through transshipment in Bremerhaven or Antwerp, destinations in North and South America, the Mediterranean, and Africa, as well as other ports within MSC:s global network, are accessible.

– The Port of Gothenburg is the guarantor of Swedish industry’s access to the world. With our comprehensive liner network, excellent infrastructure, and efficient terminal operations, we have all conditions in place to further strengthen Swedish foreign trade and competitiveness, Claes Sundmark concluded.

MSC's new direct service will depart every week on the following route:

Gothenburg – Aarhus – Hamburg – Antwerp – Port Klang – Singapore – Laem Chabang – Vung Tau – Busan – Yokohama – Ningbo – Shanghai – Xiamen – Yantian – Singapore – Sines – Le Havre – Rotterdam – Gothenburg.