Maersk removes Jebel Ali from Mesawa service and switches the loop to biweekly

Maersk has changed its Mesawa service, saying it will move to biweekly coverage and remove Jebel Ali from the rotation until further notice.

In a notice published on April 7, the carrier said the adjustment is temporary and is being made because of ongoing political tensions. Maersk said the revised service will operate with five vessels.

The new rotation will call at Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Pointe Noire, Tema, Apapa, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth before returning to Mundra. Maersk said the first sailing on the revised proforma will be Maersk Florence voyage 618W, with an estimated departure from Mundra on May 3, 2026.

Maersk also said alternative connectivity to the UAE and the wider Middle East will be provided through transshipment via India.

The move is the latest sign that shipping lines continue to adjust Middle East networks in response to regional security conditions. Maersk had already issued earlier contingency updates covering vessel operations in the region.

For shippers using the Mesawa service, the immediate impact is fewer sailings and the loss of a direct Jebel Ali call while the revised schedule remains in place.