Global shipping line SeaLead has announced a major upgrade to its Five Seas Express (5CX) service, introducing a new routing structure designed to boost efficiency and strengthen links between the Far East and the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.
The revamped weekly service will connect major ports including Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Alexandria, Aliaga, Istanbul, Mersin, Jeddah, and Port Klang, before returning to Qingdao. The first sailing under the new schedule is set to depart from Qingdao on October 27, 2025.
According to the company, the updated 5CX service offers faster transit times, enhanced reliability, and broader regional coverage, supporting growing trade flows between Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Among the key features of the revamped service are:
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Weekly direct connections between China, Egypt, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.
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One of the fastest available transit times between the Far East and the Mediterranean.
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Seamless integration with SeaLead’s existing network across Asia and the Mediterranean.
Doreen Yeo, Chief Commercial Officer at SeaLead, said the move reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening global trade links.
“By regrouping the 5CX service, we’re enhancing reliability and efficiency across our network,” Yeo said. “This collaboration allows us to improve service quality while expanding access to key global markets.”
Kadir Oruc, Regional Managing Director for Europe and the Mediterranean, added that the changes will help customers optimize their supply chains.
With weekly sailings and a time-saving route, the revamped service provides faster and more dependable shipping solutions,” Oruc said.
The launch of the new 5CX service marks another step in SeaLead’s efforts to expand global connectivity and deliver customer-focused logistics solutions across major international trade corridors.
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