MSC UK
EAST-WEST SHIPPING NETWORK

Connecting the UK to Global Markets

Our standalone East-West network is unlocking new global trade opportunities for UK businesses of all sizes, as we seamlessly connect the UK to the world with unrivalled efficiency and reliability.

Backed by an extensive global fleet, leading inland logistics and local experts, MSC’s East-West network delivers regular services calling at major UK ports including Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton. These services allow businesses greater flexibility across key global trade routes, supporting cargo shipping from the UK to Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada, and Mexico – helping move cargo efficiently and strengthen international supply chains.

Discover the power of a truly global network that prioritises your shipment needs and takes care of the safe transportation of your UK cargo, enabling you to focus on what truly matters.

What is MSC's UK East-West Network?

With direct connections between the United Kingdom and major global trade corridors across Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and North America, MSC’s East-West Network offers extensive global coverage. Designed to give UK businesses flexible access to our international shipping services, it’s supported by direct UK port calls, inland transportation, and local logistics expertise.

" MSC's East-West Network provides UK importers with reliable access to key manufacturing and sourcing markets across Asia. Combined with direct UK port calls, extensive global coverage and local expertise across our Ipswich, London and Glasgow offices, we're helping customers build resilient supply chains and keep cargo moving efficiently in a fast-changing global environment. "

Robbie Moodie Senior Trade Manager - Far East (Imports)

Our East-West Network at a Glance


Key Trade
Routes
Connecting Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton and Liverpool with Asia and Transatlantic markets
Global Network Coverage 8 Asia and Transatlantic service loops, with Asian routes operating via the Suez Canal and Cape of Good Hope
Key UK Ports Served 4 direct UK port calls with transhipment connections across 10 UK ports
Weekly Service Rotations 9 weekly UK rotations supporting reliable shipping schedules

Why Choose MSC's UK East-West Network

" The strength of our Transatlantic East-West Network gives UK exporters reliable shipping connections to key markets across the USA, Canada (including access to the U.S. Midwest via Montreal) and Mexico. With our extensive port coverage, a strong international network and dedicated local expertise, we help customers keep their cargo moving, maintain connected supply chains and support their business growth across North America. "

Serina Laing Trade Development Manager - Canada & Mexico (Exports)
MSC container moving through a port terminal for onward road and rail transport

Enhanced Connectivity

Our new standalone network delivers exceptional connectivity and capacity for Far East, Transatlantic, IPAK, and UK cargo. As a key gateway to major East-West trade routes, MSC UK complements this reach with market-leading inland service, supported by the country's largest intermodal fleet, extensive rail connections, and reliable door-to-door transport solutions.

Download MSC UK Inland Transport brochure
MSC container vessel sailing past a major city skyline on an East-West trade route

Flexibility & Reliability

Operating as a standalone network, MSC’s East-West services give you greater control when shipping from the UK, whilst strengthening confidence across your supply chain. By continuously monitoring external factors year-round, we’re able to efficiently adjust services, routes and priorities in real time to meet changing market demands ensuring reliable and responsive services.

Search schedules
MSC shipping specialist supporting customers with East-West cargo movements

Local Experts, Global Reach

Our team of more than 800 UK-based specialists are committed to understanding not just your shipping needs, but your wider business requirements as well, delivering tailored logistics solutions for your cargo.

With offices in every country along the East-West Network, you can be sure of local expertise at every port of call, giving you complete peace of mind that your cargo is in safe hands.

Download MSC UK brochure

Shipping Between the UK, Far East & Transatlantic Markets: MSC's Key Routes

Take advantage of our extensive connections and reliable trade routes. Our industry specialists are equipped with the knowledge to help you choose the most efficient shipping solutions, ensuring smooth transport based on your cargo type, volume, and destination. 

MSC operates 10 shipping services across the UK’s largest ports, providing reliable routes via Asia and the Transatlantic. Here is an overview of the services and primary destination regions:

 

 UK Port Service Origin or Destination Ports
 Felixstowe / London Gateway  Albatros  Xingang, Dalian, Gwangyang, Ningbo, Yantian, Singapore
 Felixstowe/London Gateway  Britannia  Shanghai, Nansha, Yantian, Vung Tau, Singapore, Colombo
 Felixstowe  Silk  Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Yantian, Vung Tau, Singapore
 Felixstowe  Swan  Busan, Ningbo, Shanghai, Xiamen, Yantian, Singapore
 Felixstowe  Mexico Gulf Express  Freeport, Veracruz, Altamira, Houston, New Orleans, Mobile
 London Gateway  Lion  Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali, Yantian, Qingdao, Busan
 London Gateway  Canada Express  Montreal, Halifax
 Southampton  Griffin  Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Singapore
 Southampton  Condor  Singapore, Yantian, Qingdao, Busan, Shanghai
 Liverpool  Montreal Express 1  Montreal
 
Download our service guides below for more information about each service and transit times:

Service Guides

Container terminal operations at the Port of Felixstowe, with cranes, containers and vehicles handling cargo
Asia - North Europe

via Cape of Good Hope

Read more
Aerial view of an MSC container ship carrying cargo across an MSC East-West ocean shipping route
Asia - North Europe

via Suez

Read more
Stacked MSC shipping containers at a container yard supporting international cargo transport
Transatlantic - Europe

Europe - USA - Canada - Mexico

Read more

Industries Supported by MSC's UK East-West Network

Automotive wheels and vehicle components transported through MSC's UK East-West trade routes
Car Parts Read more
Plastic and rubber products transported through MSC's global container shipping network
Plastic & Rubber Read more
Pharmaceutical products supported by MSC's temperature-controlled logistics and shipping solutions
Pharmaceuticals Read more
Paper rolls and forest products moving through MSC's international shipping network
Paper, Pulp & Wood Read more
Industrial chemical and petrochemical cargo transported through MSC's global trade network
Chemicals & Petrochemicals Read more

Ready to Book?
Speak to our team of UK experts about your shipping needs

UK East-Wet Network FAQs 

Which UK ports are included in MSC's East-West Network?

MSC’s East-West Network directly connects the UK through four of the country’s largest container ports:
• Felixstowe
• London Gateway
• Southampton
• Liverpool

These ports are supported by excellent inland and transhipment connections across 10 UK ports.

How often do MSC East-West Network services call at UK ports?

We operate multiple weekly UK port calls and nine weekly service rotations, ensuring reliable shipping schedules and keeping the UK connected to major global trade routes.

What regions can UK businesses reach through MSC's East-West Network?

From the UK, MSC’s East-West Network connects you to Asia, the Middle East, North America and other major global markets through direct services and transshipment hubs.