Tailwind Shipping Lines, the container shipping company owned by Lidl, is set to expand its Dolphin Express Service (DEX) this October. The enhanced route will transform DEX into a broader intra-European short-sea service, adding key port calls in Antwerp (Belgium), Setúbal (Portugal), Cádiz (Spain), and Casablanca (Morocco) to its existing Moerdijk–Barcelona rotation.

The updated 21-day loop will continue to operate on a weekly basis, departing from northern Europe and returning directly to Moerdijk from Barcelona, maintaining its efficient return leg.

Three 1,380 TEU container vessels from the existing Tailwind fleet will be deployed on the expanded DEX. The “Panda 004” and “Panda 005” are already in service, while the “Panda 003″—previously under subcharter—will rejoin the fleet to support the enhanced operation.

Nico Peters, VP Commercial Management at Tailwind Shipping Lines, explains: “Thanks to the higher cargo capacity of modern ships, sea transport has the advantage of lower CO2 emissions per container transported compared to transport by conventional diesel trucks.”

Tailwind’s expansion aims to further streamline and increase the sustainability of cargo flows within Europe and beyond. The extended DEX service will benefit both Lidl and third-party shippers, offering greater coverage across Western Europe and North Africa.

The Moerdijk terminal continues to offer robust hinterland connections, including a barge service to Duisburg via partnerships with WEC Lines, A2B, and the Danser Group—providing a low-emission alternative to traditional road transport.

Additionally, the Casablanca port call opens up a fast connection between Morocco and China, while transshipment options in Barcelona link directly to Tailwind’s Panda Express Service to East Asia.

Tailwind’s other key services—Panda Express (connecting China and the Mediterranean) and Tiger Express (linking Bangladesh, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka)—will continue to operate on their regular schedules.