Adriatic Gate Container Terminal strengthens Far East connection with MSC’s mainline Phoenix service

Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) in Croatia is expanding its connectivity to the Far East with the start of Mediterranean Shipping Company’s Phoenix service at the Port of Rijeka in Croatia.

Its parent body, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI), disclosed this development, pointing out that the arrival of the service marks another milestone in the development of Rijeka as a strategic Adriatic gateway.

The Phoenix service introduces a new direct, continuous maritime mainline connection between the Adriatic, Eastern Mediterranean and key ports in the Far East. It strengthens access to major manufacturing and consumer markets while enhancing supply chain efficiency for regional importers and exporters.

“We are grateful to MSC for their trust in AGCT as one of their main gateway terminals in the Adriatic. With this addition, AGCT now has two weekly direct services coming from the Far East to best serve not only Croatia, but also key landlocked markets in Southeast and Central Europe,” said Iñigo Mendibe, AGCT Chief Executive Officer.

The service rotates through the following ports: Busan – Ningbo – Shanghai – Shekou – Singapore – Ashdod – Haifa – Trieste – Koper – Rijeka – Ashdod – Singapore – Busan.

 Initially deploying 8,000 TEU- to 11,000 TEU-capacity ships, the service is evolving toward larger 13,000+ TEU tonnage, further enhancing capacity on the Asia-Adriatic trade lane.

 The Phoenix service, which not only strengthens the Port of Rijeka’s global connectivity but also consolidates AGCT’s position as a key Adriatic hub within MSC’s global network, made its inaugural call at AGCT on June 2 with the arrival of the MSC AGAMEMNON VIII.

In March 2011, ICTSI forged a 30-year strategic partnership with Luka Rijeka D.D. for the operation, management, and development of Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) at the Port of Rijeka, Croatia’s main seaport.