Maersk keeps Southampton call on Samba service through 1Q26

According to DynaLiners, Maersk has announced that its North Europe–East Coast South America (Samba) service will continue calling Southampton as an alternative port until the end of the first quarter of 2026. The extension comes amid ongoing congestion at London Gateway, prompting the shipping line to maintain Southampton as a temporary gateway for cargo destined for South America.

This marks at least the second extension of the Southampton call, following the initial temporary switch in the first half of 2025 (DL 22/25).

The current rotation of the Samba service is as follows: Southampton → Rotterdam → Hamburg → Antwerp → Tangier → Santos → Paranagua → Buenos Aires → Montevideo → Rio Grande → Paranagua → Santos → Tangier → Southampton.

By retaining Southampton in the rotation, Maersk aims to ensure schedule reliability and operational efficiency, offering shippers an alternative routing option while London Gateway congestion persists. Cargo owners and logistics providers are advised to plan accordingly and consult Maersk for any adjustments to booking and transit schedules.

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