On September 9, 2026, Maersk announced the integration of the container ship AS Petronia into its SLN service, which operates in the Mediterranean Sea, connecting various eastern and western Mediterranean ports while maintaining Algeciras as a crucial stop. This strategic move is intended to bolster the shipping capacity on this vital route, facilitating enhanced trade connections between Western Mediterranean regions and important markets in Turkey, Israel, and Egypt.
The AS Petronia, with an IMO number of 9286786, boasts a capacity of approximately 2,556 TEUs and measures 210 meters in length. It sails under the Portuguese flag and is already engaged in voyages 634W and 635E of the SLN service. This addition not only increases the number of vessels operating on the Mediterranean route but also allows for greater shipping capacity, thereby improving service efficiency and reliability.
Currently, the SLN service covers several key ports including Casablanca, Algeciras, Tanger Med, Mersin, Haifa, Alexandria, Valencia, and Barcelona. This route was restructured in April 2025, when Maersk removed the stop at Fos-sur-Mer and adjusted the order of Spanish port calls. Originally, the service began in January 2025 under the name SLN – Mediterranean Sea C, and its initial itinerary included multiple ports before the recent modifications.
With the AS Petronia now operational, it will service Casablanca on the 635E voyage before proceeding to Algeciras, thereby enhancing the shipping dynamics in the region. Maersk’s adjustments signal a robust response to the growing demand for efficient maritime trade routes across the Mediterranean, positioning Algeciras as a pivotal hub within this network.
As reported by elestrechodigital.com.
