Maersk revises ME2 and AE12 services with new port connections
Maersk has announced changes to its ME2 and AE12 container shipping services, introducing a new call at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and transferring Colombo in Sri Lanka from the AE15 service to AE12.
The adjustments are designed to expand connections between Northern Europe and Saudi Arabia, while establishing additional links between the Adriatic ports of Koper and Rijeka and markets in South Asia.
The changes are scheduled to take effect through vessel rotations beginning in December 2026 and January 2027.
ME2 service adds Jeddah connection
The revised ME2 service will introduce Jeddah as a port of call, providing a new connection from Northern Europe to Saudi Arabia.
Under the updated rotation, the service will call at Ennore, Colombo, Algeciras, Rotterdam, London Gateway, Hamburg, Tangier, Jeddah and Colombo again, with transits through the Suez Canal.
The first vessel scheduled to operate the revised service is Maersk Tukang, voyage 649E, with an estimated arrival at Jeddah on 20 December 2026.
The additional call will extend the ME2 network’s coverage in the Red Sea while maintaining its existing connections between India, Europe and the Mediterranean.
AE12 service incorporates Colombo
Maersk will also revise the AE12 service by transferring the Colombo call from AE15.
The change will connect the Adriatic ports of Koper in Slovenia and Rijeka in Croatia with Sri Lanka, while providing onward connections to South India and Bangladesh through Colombo.
The revised AE12 rotation will be Ningbo, Shanghai, Tanjung Pelepas, Port Said East, Koper, Rijeka, Port Said East, Colombo and Singapore, including Suez Canal transits.
The first affected vessel will be Alva Maersk, voyage 652E, with an estimated arrival at Colombo on 12 January 2027.
Colombo’s inclusion in AE12 will establish a direct service connection between the Adriatic and Sri Lanka, with further regional connectivity available through the port.
The announcement did not specify changes to vessel capacity, service frequency or terminal arrangements associated with the revised rotations.
