Hapag-Lloyd has secured a limited slot allocation on Maersk’s Middle East Container Line (MECL) service, enhancing its reach on the vital trade lane connecting the United States with the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.

Under this agreement, Hapag-Lloyd will utilize 60 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) for eastbound cargo and 10 TEU for westbound cargo. These slots are designated for “preference cargoes,” which will be prioritized for transport on U.S.-flagged vessels whenever feasible.

The MECL service, predominantly operated with U.S.-flag tonnage, follows a specific rotation: New York, Charleston, Savannah, Houston, Norfolk, New York, Tangier, Jebel Ali, Mundra, Pipavav, Nhava Sheva, Salalah, and concluding back in New York.

This strategic cooperation enables Hapag-Lloyd to offer expanded coverage on this key trade route, ensuring that cargo eligible for U.S.-flag carriage can be accommodated effectively.

Hapag-Lloyd secures limited slot allocation on Maersk’s MECL service