In a statement the Maersk offshoot pointed out that Energy, which links West Africa to Europe, follows the recent merger of two services tied to the same region.

Safmarine MPV says the freshly minted loop will include direct calls at Aberdeen, Antwerp, Portugal, Onne, Luanda, Sonils, Soyo and Lobito.

“Transit times will also be significantly shorter than those currently available,” added line director Jean-Marc Thiebaut in the announcement.

Safmarine,