MSC and ONE to take over Ipanema service VSA from April 2027

MSC and Ocean Network Express (ONE) will jointly operate the Ipanema service between Asia and the East Coast of South America after the current vessel-sharing agreement with Hapag-Lloyd comes to an end.

The first sailing under the new arrangement is scheduled to depart Shanghai on April 3, 2027, MSC said.

The Ipanema service is currently operated under a vessel-sharing agreement, or VSA, involving MSC, ONE and Hapag-Lloyd. Under the new structure, MSC and ONE will remain on the weekly service, while Hapag-Lloyd will no longer participate in the agreement.

MSC to add vessels to Ipanema service

MSC said it will deploy additional vessels as part of the new two-carrier cooperation.

The company did not specify how many ships will be added or provide details on vessel capacity, but said the additional deployment would strengthen its presence on the Asia–East Coast South America trade.

The service will continue to connect major Asian origins with ports in Brazil and the River Plate.

Direct calls in southern Brazil will include Santos, Paranaguá, Navegantes and Rio Grande, while Montevideo and Buenos Aires will provide access to Uruguay and Argentina.

Ipanema rotation remains focused on key South American gateways

The full rotation announced by MSC will be:

Shanghai – Ningbo – Shekou – Hong Kong – Singapore – Santos – Paranaguá – Navegantes – Montevideo – Buenos Aires – Rio Grande – Paranaguá – Navegantes – Santos – Singapore – Hong Kong – Shanghai.

The loop includes double calls at Paranaguá, Navegantes and Santos, covering both inbound and outbound legs of the South American rotation.

MSC said the Ipanema service Asia South America connection will continue to operate weekly and maintain its existing focus on transit times and direct access between Asian origins and major East Coast South American gateways.

The restructuring takes effect with the Shanghai departure on April 3, marking the transition from the current three-carrier VSA to the new MSC-ONE arrangement.

Souce: MSC

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