HMM to expand its network by launching “MA2 (Mediterranean West Africa)”Service soon

SEOUL : HMM is expanding its global network by launching a new service connecting European deep-sea routes with African feeder networks as part of its “2030 Mid-to-Long-Term Strategy.”

HMM announced Wednesday that it will launch the container service “MA2 (Mediterranean West Africa)” connecting Spain and West Africa starting in July.

The new service follows a “Hub & Spoke” strategy in which large vessels handle transport between key hub ports while feeder ships connect nearby destinations. The plan is to use Algeciras, Spain, a key Mediterranean hub, as the central point and connect major West African ports through a feeder network, creating synergy between deep-sea and short-sea routes while responding flexibly to market changes.

According to HMM, the MA2 service will operate as a joint venture with Japan’s ONE. Five container ships with 2,800 TEU capacity will be deployed, with round-trip voyages taking 35 days. The main ports of call are Algeciras (Spain), Tangier (Morocco), Dakar (Senegal), Tema (Ghana), Lekki (Nigeria), and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).

This route is significant as it connects West Africa, a region HMM has not previously served. Africa is a market with high growth potential, and HMM plans to enhance its service competitiveness for shippers through the new service.

Meanwhile, HMM has decided to raise the Emergency Contingency Charge (ECC) on the Korea-South China (including Hong Kong) route by five times for shipments departing from July 1, reflecting soaring oil prices and fuel supply difficulties caused by the Middle East war. This marks HMM’s first fare increase since the war broke out between the United States, Israel, and Iran in February.

As a result, the ECC for 20-foot containers will rise from $20 to $100, while 40-foot containers will increase from $40 to $200.

Other domestic carriers have also reportedly raised their fuel surcharges, with the ECC for 20-foot containers increasing from $50 to $150 and for 40-foot containers from $100 to $300.