Port of Gdansk launches new transatlantic service. MSC opens direct connection to the USA

The Port of Gdansk has joined the group of European ports offering a direct container service to the United States. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest carrier with a fleet of more than 850 vessels, has expanded its Albatros service with regular calls to New York and Charleston.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 22.08.2025, 07:17 Reading time: 2 min

Container ship MSC Berangere loaded with containers under gantry cranes against a blue sky — MSC Berangere / fot. Port Gdańsk

In brief

Mediterranean Shipping Company has expanded its Albatros service with direct calls from Gdańsk to New York and Charleston. The first voyage is operated by the vessel MSC BERANGERE, which left Gdańsk on 14 August, and the weekly rotation Gdańsk, Bremerhaven, New York, Charleston means 13 days of transit to New York and 17 days to Charleston. The service is handled by Baltic Hub, the largest container terminal on the Baltic Sea with throughput exceeding 2 million TEU a year. Dominik Landa, director for strategy and development at the Port of Gdańsk, stressed that shorter delivery times will lower costs for Polish exporters.

MSC Berangere / fot. Port Gdańsk

The inaugural sailing is operated by the MSC BERANGERE, which departed from Gdansk on 14 August. The weekly service follows the rotation: Gdansk – Bremerhaven – New York – Charleston, with a transit time of 13 days to New York and 17 days to Charleston.

This new connection provides Polish exporters with faster and more competitive access to the US market, while also positioning Gdansk to capture cargo volumes from Central and Eastern Europe that were previously handled mainly by German ports.

Baltic Hub as a regional gateway

The service is handled by Baltic Hub, the largest container terminal in the Baltic Sea, with annual throughput exceeding 2 million TEU. The terminal plays a crucial role in integrating maritime transport with rail and road, strengthening its position as a gateway for Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Lithuania.

– Integrating Gdansk into the transatlantic rotation strengthens MSC’s network between Poland and the USA. We now offer weekly, direct connections from Northern Europe to New York and Charleston, fully integrated with our inland and logistics services – said MSC Poland.

Trade flows and market outlook

Poland’s trade with the United States is dominated by exports, which account for more than 80% of the turnover. The most frequently shipped goods include automotive parts, aerospace components, pharmaceuticals, furniture, foodstuffs, and luxury goods. Energy resources and chemicals are also playing an increasingly important role.

– This is the first truly direct and fastest connection with the USA. Shorter delivery times will translate into lower costs and greater competitive advantage for Polish exporters – emphasized Dominik Landa, Strategy and Development Director at the Port of Gdansk.

Although transatlantic cargo volumes remain smaller than those on Asia-related trades, their importance is growing. Key drivers include US LNG exports to Europe and the rising imports of American agricultural products. The new MSC service supports this trend, solidifying Gdansk’s position on the global logistics map and enhancing the competitiveness of Polish ports compared with the largest Northern European hubs.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier