Arkas Line has revised the route of its REX Service, shifting its Russian port call from Novorossiysk Port on the Black Sea to St. Petersburg Port on the Baltic Sea. Under the new arrangement, which came into effect on 10 October 2026, the sea transport connection between Türkiye, Egypt, and Russia continues through the new routing, while the service rotation is planned to be adjusted in line with seasonal cargo flows.
Operating with a strong service network and customer-focused solutions in container shipping, Arkas Line continues to develop its service structure in line with regional requirements. Serving international trade through a network extending across the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, West and North Africa, Northern Europe, the East Coast of the Americas, the Red Sea and India, the company has introduced a new routing arrangement for its REX service, which provides its Russia connection.
Previously calling at Novorossiysk Port in Russia, the REX service was restructured as of 10 October 2026 to include St. Petersburg Port. For the inaugural voyage, a rotation comprising Marmara, Alexandria, Aliağa and St. Petersburg was established. Through this new service configuration, Arkas Line has launched a revised connection between the Eastern Mediterranean and Russia via the Baltic Sea.
Seasonal Service Planning from Mersin and Alexandria
The REX (Russia Express Service), which is particularly used for the transportation of fresh produce and temperature-controlled cargo, has provided an important sea transportation link between Türkiye, Egypt and the Russian market over the years. Under the new routing arrangement, the service is also expected to be scheduled in line with cargo movements during different periods of the year.
For the period between 30 October and 31 December 2026, the service is planned to operate with two vessels between Mersin and St. Petersburg. Depending on operational requirements, Port of Alexandria may also be included in the rotation.
Through the route revision implemented on the REX Service, Arkas Line aims to maintain service continuity on its Russia connection, adapt to changing regional conditions, and support its customers’ supply chain planning.