MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) is set to launch a new direct shipping service, named Clanga, that will connect Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with Shanghai, China. This standalone service is designed to address port congestion and provide more efficient transit times for cargo between Asia and the Middle East. By establishing a direct link between these key ports, MSC aims to further bolster trade relations between China, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.
The Clanga service is scheduled to commence in the week of August 26, offering a competitive and unique service for Saudi exports to the Far East. The service will provide a direct connection from Dammam to Shanghai, which is expected to enhance trade flow and offer exporters in Saudi Arabia a reliable route to reach Asian markets more swiftly.
The rotation for the Clanga service will be as follows: Shanghai – Ningbo – Shekou – Singapore – Ad Dammam – Shanghai. This route not only connects the major Chinese ports with Saudi Arabia but also includes a stop in Singapore, a critical hub for global trade.
In addition to launching the Clanga service, MSC has announced adjustments to its existing Falcon service. Effective the week of August 19, the rotation of the Falcon service will be modified to omit Ad Dammam and include a call in Nansha. The revised rotation for the Falcon service will be: Tianjin Xingang – Busan – Qingdao – Shanghai – Ningbo – Xiamen – Nansha – Shekou – Singapore – Jebel Ali – Abu Dhabi – Hamad – Umm Qasr – Abu Dhabi – Tianjin Xingang.
Clanga Service to Enhance China-Saudi Arabia Trade Connectivity
These strategic changes by MSC are intended to optimize its network, reduce transit times, and improve service reliability in the increasingly congested shipping lanes. The introduction of the Clanga service highlights MSC’s commitment to expanding its global network and providing tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of its customers in the rapidly evolving trade environment between Asia and the Middle East.
By enhancing connectivity between these key regions, MSC is not only facilitating more efficient trade but also contributing to the economic growth of the markets it serves. The direct link between Dammam and Shanghai, in particular, is expected to be a game-changer for Saudi exporters seeking to tap into the robust demand in the Far East.
