MSC introduced a new freight-transport solution for the Djibouti- Ethiopia passageway. The system will help MSC strengthen its portfolio for the East African region. This will also be the first freight-transport system by the MSC in Ethiopia. The proposed solution will integrate the rail network with the roads to clear the way for the imports and exports out of landlocked Ethiopia. Historically, the country was not landlocked. However, with the secession of Eritrea in 1993, it became landlocked.

Currently, two weekly services are provided by MSC, linking Ethiopia's international complex to the main port of Djibouti. In addition, the current Intermodal solution offers the following services.

  • The PETRA service connects the Far East, Southeast Asia, and China, and every cargo consignment is directed to Djibouti via Singapore.
  • The NWC IPAK service allows a seamless connection to Northern Europe. The service also links Ethiopia to the U.S., Mediterranean, and IPAK regions through King Abdullah Port in Saudi Arabia.

MSC has also announced the transit times from Djibouti for imports via road. These critical transit times are as follows:

  • Transit Time for Addis Ababa: Three Days
  • Transit Time for Hawassa: Four days
  • Transit Time for Modjo: Three days. The only exception for Modjo is that the company will not provide any service to the dry port for Modjo-bound consignments.

Similarly, the freight company has also announced the rail network's transit times for exports to Djibouti. The critical transit times for export consignments are as follow:

  • Modjo Railway Station: One day
  • Indode Railway Station: One day

Soji Thomas Korah, The General Manager of MSC Ethiopia, said that his organization had been looking passionately for new options for the past years. He further noted that MSC is honored to provide a freight transport solution, which will add value to the company's profile and enhance the country's trade.

Mr. Korah further added that NWC, Southeast Asia, The Far East, IPAK, and the U.S., are important markets for the economic growth of both Ethiopia and Djibouti. Therefore, the MSC's new freight transport services will be critical for exporting garments and coffee to these regions.