Maersk to End Direct U.S.–South Africa Shipping Service, Exporters Face Rising Costs and Delays

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In a move set to disrupt South Africa’s trade corridors, global shipping giant Maersk has announced it will discontinue its direct service between South Africa and the United States from October 1, 2025.

The decision will leave Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) as the sole operator offering a direct weekly sailing between the two markets, raising concerns about capacity constraints, increased costs, and longer transit times for exporters.

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A Major Shift in Global Trade Routes

Maersk currently participates in the AMEX service, a vital shipping link connecting major South African ports—including Durban and Cape Town—to key U.S. East Coast destinations such as New York and Norfolk.

This route, jointly operated with MSC, has long served as a reliable channel for exporters dealing in high-value and time-sensitive goods, including automotive parts, fresh produce, and wine.

Following the dissolution of the 2M alliance and Maersk’s upcoming shift to the new Gemini alliance with Hapag-Lloyd, the carrier has opted to reroute U.S.-bound cargo via transshipment hubs in Western Europe.

Containers will now likely pass through ports such as Algeciras, Rotterdam, or London Gateway before crossing the Atlantic, adding both complexity and time to the supply chain.

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Impact on South African Exporters

Industry experts warn that the decision could have a domino effect on logistics costs and supply chain reliability:

• Longer Transit Times: Exporters could face delays of 7–14 days or more due to additional port handling and potential congestion in European hubs.

• Increased Shipping Costs: Additional transshipment charges, fuel surcharges, and handling fees are expected to raise freight rates significantly.

• Single Point of Failure: With MSC as the only carrier offering direct sailings, exporters may face reduced bargaining power and limited alternative options if schedules are disrupted.

Freight forwarders say this change is particularly concerning for industries dependent on just-in-time delivery and perishable goods exports, as delays could lead to spoilage and missed delivery windows.

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Industry Response and Outlook

South African trade organizations and shipping stakeholders are calling for urgent action to mitigate the fallout from Maersk’s withdrawal. Some are pushing for:

• Increased capacity commitments from MSC to prevent supply bottlenecks.

• Incentives for other carriers to enter the market and restore competition.

• Regional trade infrastructure improvements, such as enhanced port efficiency and new direct trade agreements with alternative shipping lines.

Until new solutions emerge, exporters are advised to plan ahead, diversify shipping options, and build time buffers into their supply chain schedules.

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Bottom Line

Maersk’s decision to end its direct U.S.–South Africa service marks a significant shift in trade dynamics between the two markets.

From October 2025, exporters will have to navigate longer transit times, higher costs, and a more fragile logistics network—potentially threatening South Africa’s competitiveness in critical sectors.

The development underscores a broader challenge facing global shipping: increasing reliance on fewer carriers for long-haul routes, leaving economies vulnerable to sudden changes in service availability.

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