SeaLead Strengthens 5CX Service Connecting Far East and the Mediterranean via Suez Canal

SINGAPORE : SeaLead, a fast-growing global shipping line, Tuesday announced the revamp of its Five Seas Express (5CX) service with a new routing structure. The newly revamped weekly shipping service will be jointly operated and will connect key ports along the Far East and the Mediterranean trade lane via the Suez Canal.

This strategic move will strengthen SeaLead’s presence in the region, supporting growing trade flows between Asia and the Mediterranean, while reducing transit times for customers. The port rotation covers Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Alexandria, Aliaga, Istanbul, Mersin, Jeddah and Port Klang before returning to Qingdao. The inaugural sailing is scheduled to depart from Qingdao on 27 October 2025.

In addition to its speed and reliability, the service offers extensive coverage to key markets across North Africa, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean via Aliaga, creating broader market access and enhanced connectivity for customers.                

Key features of the revamped 5CX service:

• Weekly dedicated service connecting China, Egypt, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia
• One of the fastest transit times from the Far East to the Mediterranean via Suez Canal
•  Seamless connectivity with SeaLead’s existing network across the Mediterranean and Asia

The revamped weekly service, featuring a new routing structure, delivers greater value to customers through enhanced service reliability. This joint operation further strengthens schedule integrity, broadens network coverage, and improves access to key markets by leveraging the collective expertise and reach of partners.

Ms. Doreen Yeo, Chief Commercial Officer, SeaLead, said: “SeaLead remains committed to enhancing our service offerings as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen global trade connectivity. By regrouping the 5CX service, we are working closely with our partners to deliver a more reliable and efficient network. This strengthened collaboration enables us to enhance service quality while maintaining coverage across Asia and the Mediterranean, providing customers with greater access to key global markets.”

Mr. Kadir Oruc, Regional Managing Director, Europe and Mediterranean, SeaLead highlighted: “With weekly sailings and a time-saving route, the revamped service offers faster, more reliable, and efficient shipping solutions. By reducing transit times and enhancing schedule dependability, this service enables our customers to plan more effectively and optimise their supply chains.”

With the launch of the revamped 5CX service, SeaLead continues to strengthen global connectivity and deliver customer-focused shipping solutions across key international markets.