CULines & UGL launch AEM+ Service, strengthening direct connectivity between Asia and Egypt’s Mediterranean Region
SHANGHAI : CULines and UGL have officially commenced operations in the Mediterranean by launching the new Asia–East Mediterranean Plus (AEM+) Service—a strategic container route linking China’s major ports directly to Alexandria. Represented by SeaGlory Egypt, the burgeoning shipping agency joint venture between Sharaf Group and Finmar Group, the new service enhances Egypt’s role as a regional maritime hub amid shifting global shipping dynamics.
The AEM+ service offers weekly direct calls between China and Alexandria, supported by additional port calls in Istanbul, Izmit, Jeddah, and Port Klang. This configuration ensures a stable and efficient route designed to navigate around current Red Sea disruptions while optimizing transit times. The service includes two separate calls at Alexandria Port, providing increased flexibility for Egyptian importers and exporters and reinforcing trade integration with the Turkish market.
The launch marks CULines’ debut on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, building on its earlier entry into the Red Sea market through Sokhna. The move aligns with the company’s broader expansion strategy and the growing need for reliable east–west corridors as global supply chains seek greater resilience. Transit times for imports range from 23 to 32 days from major Chinese ports, while export schedules are calibrated to ensure operational consistency and market responsiveness.
SeaGlory’s entry into the market underlines its strategic commitment to growing its presence in international shipping. Backed by decades of maritime experience and regional know-how, the agency is positioned to offer tailored solutions that align with Egypt’s ambitions to become a leading transshipment and logistics center.
Alexandria Port, already one of the Mediterranean’s most active gateways and Egypt’s largest port, plays a pivotal role in Egypt’s foreign trade and is central to ongoing national efforts to attract foreign shipping lines and enhance logistics capacity. The addition of the AEM+ service is viewed as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s investment climate and geographic advantage, particularly as global operators recalibrate routing strategies.
Through this partnership, SeaGlory, CULines, and UGL aim to redefine the Asia–Mediterranean trade lane. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to resilient shipping solutions and expanded market access across North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, reinforcing Alexandria’s position as a vital link in global commerce.
