On Thursday, French CMA CGM Group announced its new seasonal service, Turkey Libya Express (TLX), set to begin on 1st July 2023.
This weekly service will link Asian regions with Turkey, Libya, and the expanding Red Sea market. It will commence from the port of Shanghai, with the 2,478 TEU vessel Buxlink.
Exclusively operated by CMA CGM, TLX will facilitate weekly voyages from Central and South China to Jeddah, offering valuable connections to the growing markets in the Red Sea area.
The TLX service will follow the rotation: Shanghai (China) – Ningbo (China) – Nansha (China) – Singapore – Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) – Iskenderun (Turkey) – Malta (Italy) – Misrata (Libya) – Jeddah – Port Klang (Malaysia) – Shanghai.
Notably, France played a crucial role in supporting the rebels during the 2011 Libyan Civil War, and has been an active partner in Libya’s post-conflict reconstruction. The French government and French companies have been keen on investing in Libya, particularly in its oil sector, given the country’s vast reserves.
The TLX service serves as a platform for the further strengthening of Franco-Libyan ties. It facilitates the trade and transport of goods between Asia, France (as part of the EU), and Libya. As well as enhancing economic cooperation, and fostering stronger business relationships. The TLX service also represents a broader strategy for France, as it seeks to expand its influence and economic activity in the Mediterranean region, especially in countries like Libya and Turkey.
The introduction of this new service is expected to boost the economies of the participating countries, foster international cooperation, and strengthen the role of CMA CGM in global maritime trade. It is a reflection of France’s ongoing efforts to bolster its economic ties with key partners in Asia, the Mediterranean, and Africa.
