Maersk Line appears to be executing a strategic withdrawal from the ML - EUROSAL service network, a partnership it joined in 2017 via its subsidiary Hamburg Süd before transitioning to direct participation under the Maersk Line brand. Historically operating under a slot-charter agreement, Maersk’s exit reduces the VSA partners to four members: CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd, and OOCL.
While no formal advisory has been issued by Maersk, eeSea’s independent analysis of operational data indicates that ISTANBUL EXPRESS will likely be the last vessel in which Maersk is taking slots on. The point-to-point schedule search on Maersk’s website returns no result for the EUROSAL service while the vessel schedule only shows ISTANBUL EXPRESS with the last call at Antwerp on May 8th, 2025.
Post-withdrawal, Maersk’s presence in the Europe–South America trade corridor will be served by two services: the ML - CLX (Europe – West Coast South America) and ML - Ecumed (Mediterranean – West Coast South America). Notably, both strings feature exclusive vessel deployments by Maersk, with significantly reduced operational capacity compared to EUROSAL. While EUROSAL leveraged 10,000+ TEU capacity, the CLX and Ecumed services deploy averages of 3,000 TEU and 4,000 TEU, respectively.
eeSea’s findings are derived from systematic review of carrier’s published vessel schedules, cross-referenced with operational timelines. For granular insights into trade lane dynamics, alliance network adjustments, or vessel forecasts, explore eeSea’s proprietary trade lane data or contact our research team at contact@eesea.com. You can also check our regular eeSea publications.