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New weekly loop targets growing West Africa demand
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced the launch of its Mediterranean Africa Express service, known as MAX, aimed at strengthening links between Far East Asia, Northern Europe, and West Africa.
The new weekly loop will connect key markets through Mediterranean hubs at Algeciras and Tangier, before calling major West African ports including Dakar, Tema, Lekki, and Abidjan. The service is scheduled to begin with its first arrival in Algeciras on July 7, 2026.
At a time when shippers are seeking more predictable transit options, the addition of another fixed rotation raises a practical question. Can increased frequency offset ongoing congestion and infrastructure constraints in parts of West Africa?
Hub strategy reflects shifting trade dynamics
The inclusion of Algeciras and Tangier as transshipment hubs highlights a continued reliance on Mediterranean gateways to bridge long haul east west trades with regional African distribution.
For project cargo and breakbulk forwarders, ports such as Lekki and Tema remain critical but challenging nodes. Capacity additions like MAX may ease some pressure, particularly for containerised project components moving into energy and infrastructure projects across the region.
