MSC restructures Ipanema service, transitioning to a partnership with ONE after Hapag-Lloyd's withdrawal, effective April 3, 2027.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has issued a formal notice announcing the restructuring of its Ipanema service, which has to date been operated jointly by MSC, ONE, and Hapag-Lloyd under a slot-sharing agreement. Under the revised arrangement, Hapag-Lloyd will withdraw from the partnership, with the service transitioning to a bilateral cooperation between MSC and ONE.
The first sailing under the new agreement is scheduled to depart Shanghai on 3 April 2027. MSC will deploy additional capacity on the service, reinforcing its commitment to delivering fast, reliable connectivity between multiple origin ports across Asia and the East Coast of South America.
The Ipanema service will continue to call at Santos, Paranagua, and Navegantes - the principal gateway ports of southern Brazil - alongside Montevideo and Buenos Aires, the key hubs of the Rio de la Plata basin. This port coverage positions the service to offer shippers competitive transit times and broad market reach across the region.
The rotation for the Ipanema service is as follows: Shanghai - Ningbo - Shekou - Hong Kong - Singapore - Santos - Paranagua - Navegantes - Montevideo - Buenos Aires - Rio Grande - Paranagua - Navegantes - Santos - Singapore - Hong Kong - Shanghai.
Shippers and freight forwarders with cargo on the Ipanema service are advised to monitor operational notices issued by both MSC and ONE closely, and to confirm booking channels, freight rates, and space allocation arrangements in a timely manner. Customers who have previously booked through Hapag-Lloyd should engage with Hapag-Lloyd or their relevant agents at the earliest opportunity to clarify transition arrangements and assess the viability of transferring shipments to MSC or ONE.
It should be noted that the inaugural sailing under the new cooperation commences on 3 April 2027, and schedule adjustments prior to that date remain possible. All parties are encouraged to verify vessel schedules and port rotation changes directly with the carriers in advance.
Furthermore, modifications to the slot-sharing agreement may result in changes to bill of lading issuance, contractual terms, and freight settlement procedures. Affected companies are advised to prepare the necessary documentation and commercial arrangements in advance to ensure uninterrupted cargo operations. Monitoring overall capacity and rate trends on the East Coast of South America trade lane will enable shippers to plan their shipment programmes with greater precision and confidence.
