ONE Enhances North-South Connectivity with New AEX and Revamped LEX Services

Why It Matters

Enhanced North‑South routes give European shippers quicker, more dependable access to Mediterranean and Middle‑East markets, strengthening trade flows and competitive positioning.

Key Takeaways

• AEX launches weekly service linking North Europe to Turkey
• Full AEX rotation includes Felixstowe, Hamburg, Antwerp, Piraeus
• LEX revamp adds direct Egypt terminal stop
• Both services start late March 2026
• Weekly frequencies improve schedule reliability across routes

Pulse Analysis

ONE’s latest network adjustments reflect a broader industry shift toward tighter integration between Europe’s northern ports and the fast‑growing Mediterranean corridor. By introducing the Aegean Express, ONE taps into the burgeoning trade between the EU’s industrial heartland and the Greek‑Turkish maritime hubs, offering shippers a direct, high‑frequency lane that reduces handling steps and shortens dwell times. The service’s weekly cadence and comprehensive rotation align with carriers’ push for predictable schedules amid volatile freight markets.

The AEX’s route design—Felixstowe to Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, then onward to Piraeus, Izmit, Istanbul, Gemlik and back—targets key import‑export nodes in both regions. This connectivity not only supports traditional container flows of automotive and machinery parts but also opens avenues for perishable and high‑value goods that benefit from reduced transit. By positioning the inaugural Sofia Express on March 25, ONE signals confidence in demand for swift north‑south links, potentially drawing volume from competitors that rely on longer, multi‑stop itineraries.

Meanwhile, the revamped Levant Express repositions Egypt as a pivotal gateway for European manufacturers seeking access to African and Middle‑East markets. The streamlined rotation, featuring a direct stop at an Egypt terminal, cuts transit by several days compared with legacy routes. For European exporters, this translates into lower inventory costs and faster time‑to‑market, while importers gain more reliable inbound schedules. As supply chains recalibrate post‑pandemic, ONE’s dual rollout strengthens its value proposition, offering carriers a compelling alternative that blends speed, reliability and geographic reach.