MSC Serena Inaugurates New Alpaca Service Connecting Asia and South America
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The MSC Serena, a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container ship, recently made its inaugural call at the Port of San Antonio, Chile, as part of the newly launched Alpaca service operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).This service, announced in July 2025, aims to directly connect Asia with key ports along the west coast of South America, specifically the Peruvian port of Callao and the Chilean ports of Arica, Iquique, and San Antonio. https://www.portosanantonio.cl/noticias/ms-serena-inaugura-servicio-alpaca-de-msc-conectando-asia-con-chile/
The Alpaca service is positioned to compete with existing routes, such as the loop connecting Chancay, Peru with Shanghai, China.https://www.portosanantonio.cl/noticias/ms-serena-inaugura-servicio-alpaca-de-msc-conectando-asia-con-chile/
MSC Serena details and Operations at San Antonio
The MSC serena, flagged in Liberia, docked at Site No. 1 operated by STI at the Port of San Antonio.During this call, the vessel is handling 800 container movements, all of wich are shipments. https://www.portosanantonio.cl/noticias/ms-serena-inaugura-servicio-alpaca-de-msc-conectando-asia-con-chile/
Here’s a breakdown of the ship’s key specifications:
* Capacity: 11,480 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units)
* Fuel: Conventional Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
* Length: 335 meters
* Width: 45.6 meters (18 rows for containers)
* Deadweight: 135,000 tons
* Draft: 15.5 meters
The Alpaca Service: A New Route for South American Trade
The Alpaca service represents a significant investment by MSC in South american trade routes. By offering a direct connection between Asia and the west coast of South America, the service aims to reduce transit times and improve efficiency for shippers. The inauguration of the service in Peru underscores MSC’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region. According to Gonzalo Santillana, general Director of Mediterranean Shipping Company in Peru, the Alpaca service is designed to provide a competitive alternative to existing routes. https://www.portosanantonio.cl/noticias/ms-serena-inaugura-servicio-alpaca-de-msc-conectando-asia-con-chile/
What is LNG and why is it important? Liquefied Natural Gas is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to traditional marine fuels.Its use helps reduce emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter, contributing to improved air quality and a smaller environmental footprint for shipping operations.
key Takeaways
* MSC’s MSC Serena launched the new Alpaca service connecting Asia and South America.
* The service directly links Asian ports with Callao (Peru), Arica, Iquique, and san Antonio (Chile).
* The Alpaca service is a direct competitor to routes connecting Chancay, Peru, with Shanghai, China.
* The MSC Serena is a large container ship powered by LNG, demonstrating a commitment to cleaner shipping practices.
Looking ahead, the Alpaca service is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating trade between Asia and South America, supporting economic growth in the region and offering shippers a more efficient and environmentally responsible shipping option.