MSC is aggressively expanding its footprint in Asia’s busiest corridors. The carrier has announced the launch of Firehorse, a new service designed to strengthen the critical trade lane connecting China, Singapore, and Indonesia.
For terminal operators and shippers, this update is about density. By adding more loops, MSC is creating a “buffer” that improves schedule reliability. The Firehorse service specifically reinforces Singapore’s role as the transshipment hub that links Chinese exports to Indonesia’s growing manufacturing centers.
The first sailing for Firehorse is set for March 5 with the MSC PALATIUM III. Here is the breakdown of the new rotations and start dates:
1. Firehorse (China-Indonesia Loop)
- Vessel: MSC PALATIUM III (ETA Shanghai: March 5)
- Rotation: Shanghai – Ningbo – Singapore – Surabaya – Semarang – Singapore – Shanghai.
2. Seagull (China-Philippines-Indonesia)
- Vessel: MSC JAPAN III (ETA Shanghai: March 3)
- Rotation: Shanghai – Ningbo – Xiamen – Jakarta – Singapore – Batangas – Manila (North) – Subic – Shanghai.
3. Seahorse & Saola (Regional Shuttles)
- Seahorse: MSC ALDI III (ETA Shanghai: March 4) covers the Laem Chabang loop.
- Saola: MSC SHIRLEY II (ETA Shanghai: March 4) covers Vietnam (Haiphong/Ho Chi Minh).
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