Weekly service supports Australia and New Zealand’s perishable and cold-chain exports with 11 vessels ranging from 2,500 TEUs to 4,500 TEUs
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced an enhanced standalone Eagle Service from Australia and New Zealand to US East Coast.
The weekly service will be operated by 11 vessels, with capacities ranging from 2,500 TEUs to 4,500 TEUs. It strengthens MSC’s commitment as an individual carrier, offering Australian shippers a direct connection to the US East Coast ports of Savannah and Philadelphia, with additional connectivity via Panama to and from the US, Europe, Central and South America, and US Gulf ports.
The first vessel, Etoile, arrived and departed Sydney in early February for its maiden voyage and made its inaugural call at Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) on 3 February.
The service offers an additional routing option with fewer intermediate handling points compared with multi-leg transshipment solutions, enhancing transit predictability and supply chain flexibility.
“MSC’s decision to include VICT in the Eagle service reflects confidence in our operational capability and alignment with customer priorities around reliability and efficiency,” said Bruno Porchietto, VICT chief executive. “The service broadens access to the Americas for our customers while reinforcing Melbourne’s integration into key international trade lanes.”
The Eagle service is particularly well-suited for Victoria’s high-value primary producers, VICT explained. With vessels such as the Etoile offering ample reefer capacity, the service supports the region’s perishables and cold-chain exports. VICT’s automated landside operations and efficient ship-to-shore handling help ensure time-sensitive cargo moves through the terminal with minimal dwell time.
“Continuing investments in world-class automation and infrastructure enable us to provide the reliability and capacity customers need to scale their operations with confidence, knowing their shipments are moving through one of the most technologically advanced terminals in the world,” Porchietto added.
MSC said it was encouraged by the strong support the service had received from both importers and exporters, adding that the milestone represents an important step forward for MSC Australia, expanding long-term market opportunities for customers throughout the Americas and beyond.
