This revision strengthens connectivity across the Mediterranean, Türkiye, and West Africa through an optimized port rotation—designed to improve transit times, cargo visibility, and schedule integrity.  

Enhanced direct connectivity from Damietta  

Under the revised WAX structure, Hapag-Lloyd will provide bidirectional direct sailings between Damietta (Egypt) and key West African ports—including Lagos (Tincan/Apapa), Onne, Cotonou, Tema, and Lomé—as well as between Damietta and Valencia (Spain).  

Damietta will also serve as an integrated hub, enabling seamless interline connections with other Hapag-Lloyd services calling at the port.  

Expanded regional coverage  

The updated WAX service will establish the first dedicated direct connection between Türkiye (Izmit and Gemlik) and Valencia, reinforcing Hapag-Lloyd’s Mediterranean–West Africa corridor.  

Casablanca (Morocco) will be served via a dedicated feeder service, with mainline cargo consolidated and transshipped through Valencia—ensuring consistent service frequency and capacity allocation without compromising network efficiency. 

Operational benefits  

Hapag-Lloyd confirms that these adjustments are intended to enhance operational resilience, reduce port-to-port transit variability, and support improved on-time performance across the entire WAX network.  

Revised WAX port rotation  

The updated service rotation is as follows:  

Damietta → Izmit → Gemlik → Istanbul → Valencia → Tangier → Lagos (Tincan/Apapa) → Onne → Cotonou → Tema → Lomé → Tangier → Barcelona → Damietta  

The inaugural sailing under the new rotation will be vessel *Merkur Ocean*, voyage 2639S, with an estimated arrival in Damietta on 21 September 2026.  

Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/HJkeCbJz29yRbM9A8iqr8Q