Maersk has announced the launch of a large-scale update of its network of routes between Asia and Europe starting in April 2026. This involves a review of port schedules on key routes and the rerouting of cargo flows in favor of Northern European transport hubs.
This is reported by Finway
Redistribution of port coverage and route changes
The modernization affects a number of AE routes that pass through the Cape of Good Hope. The main focus is now on Northern Europe, while the number of calls at ports in the Mediterranean and North Africa is being reduced or completely eliminated.
In the AE1 route scheme, Antwerp has been included in the rotation, while Tangier TC1 has been removed, allowing for a concentration on key Northern European hubs. These include Shanghai, Yantian, Tanjung Pelepas, Rotterdam, Hamburg, London Gateway, and Tangier TC3. The AE2 route remains unchanged.
Updated directions and recovery prospects
The AE3 route is being restructured to prioritize Northern Europe: Yantian, Aarhus, Gothenburg, and Southampton have been added, while Ningbo and Algeciras are excluded, which means a reduction in dependency on southern ports.
The AE5 route is also undergoing changes: Ningbo and Algeciras have been included, and Bremerhaven has been moved ahead of Hamburg. At the same time, Yantian, Aarhus, and Gothenburg have been excluded, promoting the consolidation of the port network.
The AE11 route remains unchanged. In the Mediterranean segment, AE12 replaces Port Said East and Colombo with Algeciras and Singapore, while AE15 excludes Izmit and Istanbul in favor of Damietta and Colombo. Turkey will now be covered via Port Said and Damietta.
The company has left open the possibility of restoring AE12 and AE15 via routes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal in the future when conditions allow.