Maersk strengthens the Mediterranean corridor with a new direct route between the Baltic, Italy and Egypt

Maritime Logistics

The shipping company Maersk has announced the creation of a new weekly maritime service, called SLA, to directly connect Northern Europe and Italy with Egypt. The route aims to optimize transit times and respond to the growing trade volume in this strategic corridor.

---

Maersk optimizes connectivity between Northern Europe, Italy and Egypt with its new SLA service

The shipping company Maersk has released a new weekly maritime service, Called SLA, which connects the ports of Gdansk, Bremerhaven y Génova with Puerto Saíd y Alejandría en EgiptoThis initiative, operational since June 2026, responds to sustained growth of trade in the corridor and seeks to offer greater reliability and shorter transit times to logistics operators.

The service SLA It has been designed to strengthen connectivity along a route with constantly increasing economic activity and trade volumes. By offering a direct route, Maersk It reduces dependence on indirect routes, resulting in a substantial improvement in reliability and a reduction in delivery times compared to more complex alternatives.

Details of the new rotation and operational advantages

The new route will operate on a fixed weekly rotation, bringing greater consistency to shipment planning. The service structure is designed to minimize transshipments, a critical factor in reducing variability in delivery times. This is especially relevant for today's supply chains, which are increasingly sensitive to disruptions and require tighter control over inventory levels.

The complete rotation of the service SLA is:

• Gdansk (Polonia)
• Bremerhaven (Alemania)
• Génova Vado Ligure (Italia)
• Puerto Saíd Este (Egipto)
• Alejandría (Egipto)
• Puerto de Tánger (Marruecos)
• Gdansk (Polonia)

A strategic corridor in full economic expansion

The launch of this service reflects the changes in commercial dynamics between Europa and the Mediterráneo. According to data from the Comisión Europea, trade between the Unión Europea y Egipto It reached approximately 32.300 billion euros in 2025. Within this framework, Italia It is positioned as the largest European trading partner of Egipto, with bilateral trade that was around $6.600 billion in 2024.

Growth in the north of Europa It also boosts demand. PoloniaIn particular, it remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the UEa GDP growth of 3,6% in 2025 and a forecast of 3,5% for 2026. This economic expansion is generating greater demand for imports and the need for more direct maritime connections with key markets such as Egypt.

Key facts about the Europe-Egypt trade corridor.

Economic Indicator	Price	Reference Year
Stores UE Egipto	~ €32.300 billion	2025
Bilateral trade Italia Egipto	~ $6.600 billion	2024
GDP growth of Polonia	3,6% (forecast 3,5% in 2026)	2025
Total exports of Egipto	> $53.000 billion	2024

Resilience as a key factor in current logistics

The position of Egipto as a regional gateway it reinforces the relevance of the service SLA. From Puerto Saíd y AlejandríaThe cargo can connect to a wider network serving destinations worldwide. The African country, with key export markets such as Arabia Saudí, Turquía e Italia, consolidates itself as a hub crucial.

In a volatile global environment, the supply chain resilience It's a priority. Recent disruptions have highlighted the importance of simpler, more predictable routes. A service with direct stops like the SLA It reduces reliance on multiple handling points, helping to limit delays and improve overall reliability. By offering direct and regular scales, Maersk It responds to current business patterns and supports supply chains that are increasingly dependent on speed, resilience, and operational simplicity.

Key points and frequently asked questions about Maersk's new SLA service

How does this new route benefit Spanish exporting companies?

Although the route does not include a direct stop in España, strengthens the logistics network of MediterráneoSpanish companies can benefit from greater fluidity and reliability in transshipment connections through strategic ports such as Génova o Tángerwhich could improve transit times and predictability for goods destined for Egipto or from the region of Báltico.

What impact does reducing transshipments have on the supply chain?

Minimizing transshipments is essential for mitigating risks. It reduces the likelihood of delays, damage, or cargo loss. Operationally, it simplifies logistics management, increases delivery predictability, and enables more efficient inventory control—critical factors in a global environment prone to constant disruptions.

Why is this service being launched now, and what differentiates it from other alternatives?

The launch responds directly to the sustained growth of trade between the UE y EgiptoDriven by dynamic economies like Poland's, its main differentiator is offering a direct route, with weekly frequency and fixed rotation, eliminating the complexity and variability of routes that depend on multiple stops and transfers at other hubs.