MSC Bolsters Carioca Service with New Direct Call at Port of Itapoa, Enhancing Brazil Trade Lanes

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a global leader in transportation and logistics, today announced a significant enhancement to its dedicated Carioca service. The updated service will feature a revised port rotation, headlined by the addition of a direct call at the strategic Port of Itapoa in Brazil.

This strategic network optimization is designed to provide customers with faster transit times, greater supply chain reliability, and enhanced direct access to one of Brazil's most dynamic and growing container terminals. The improved service structure strengthens MSC's commitment to the Latin American market and supports thriving trade flows.

The updated port rotation for the Carioca service will be as follows:

Santos (Brazil) → Itapoa (Brazil) → Navegantes (Brazil) → Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) → Lisbon (Portugal) → Le Havre (France) → London Gateway (UK) → Antwerp (Belgium) → Valencia (Spain) → Santos

The inclusion of Itapoa as a direct port of call is a direct response to increasing customer demand and the region's economic importance. It will offer shippers and consignees unparalleled efficiency for moving cargo to and from the southern region of Brazil, a key hub for manufacturing and agriculture.

"This service enhancement is a testament to MSC's proactive approach to global trade dynamics," said an MSC spokesperson. "By adding a direct call at Itapoa, we are streamlining the ocean freight journey, reducing complexity within the supply chain, and providing our customers with a more competitive and reliable shipping solution. This investment in our network infrastructure ensures we continue to meet the evolving needs of importers and exporters in this critical corridor."

The upgraded Carioca service offers numerous benefits:

• Reduced Transit Times: Direct calls eliminate the need for feeder connections, speeding up cargo movement.

• Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility: Simplified routing provides greater predictability and control over shipments.

• Increased Capacity: The service supports trade growth with dedicated container shipping capacity.

• Stronger Network Connectivity: Seamless connections to MSC's extensive global network via key European hubs.