Maersk’s new Express service between Italy and Tunisia arrives at an important time for Mediterranean and European supply chains. Central to its value is a best in class transit time of just 2 days and 7 hours, but chiefly it strengthens cross border industrial and automotive production between the two countries.

For the automotive sector in particular, this service enhances one of the Mediterranean’s most important component corridors, as Tunisia has become a major centre for many time critical assemblies used across European automotive production. The express connection – combined with seamless RO RO connectivity via Cagliari – ensures minimal dwell time and stable movement of these critical flows, supporting the continuity required for European assembly lines and expanding EV-related supply chains.

Accelerating nearshoring options and inland integration

The service also directly supports Europe’s nearshoring agenda. As more companies shift production closer to home to reduce Asian reliance and boost resilience, Tunisia’s mix of proximity, industrial capability and cost competitiveness makes it an increasingly attractive partner.

By offering a competitive solution for North Africa trade flows, it also helps customers avoid congestion at major hubs through a more strategic routing – enabling more stable, regionally aligned production models.

Finally, by connecting directly into Maersk’s wider European network and inland solutions through Italy, businesses gain a reliable, scalable gateway that supports growth, resilience and deeper industrial cooperation across the Mediterranean.

In the above video, Emilia De La Cruz (Area Managing Director, SWE) and Alessandro Maldina (Area Managing Director, CSE) outline the highlights of the new service and how it acts as a strategic enabler for regional supply chains.