The Only Container Carrier with Direct Service from Baltimore to North Europe for Transatlantic Shipping, Ocean Freight Shipping, and Sea Freight

For nearly six decades, Atlantic Container Line (ACL) and the Port of Baltimore have shared a partnership built on innovation, reliability, and customer service. ACL now stands apart from its competitors as the only ocean carrier offering weekly direct container service from Baltimore to North Europe for transatlantic shipping, ocean freight shipping, and sea freight. The direct advantage starts in Baltimore.

[Created: 31 August 2026]

Get to Market Faster with ACL’s Direct Atlantic Service

When moving cargo across the Atlantic, speed and reliability matter. ACL is the only carrier providing direct container service and eliminating costly and time-consuming transshipment. With ACL’s direct container service, fastest transit times and award-winning customer service, shippers can deliver their products to market faster, resulting in faster payments and happier customers.

Fastest Transit Times. Exceptional Reliability.

  • Only direct container service from Baltimore to Northern Europe
  • Fastest ocean transit times to Liverpool, Hamburg, Antwerp, Dublin and Belfast
  • Reliable weekly sailings – no blank sailings
  • Lower inland transportation costs
  • Less cargo handling = less damage and delay
  • Industry-leading vessel safety record and US Coast Guard QUALSHIP21 certification
  • Weather deck cell-guide technology with zero containers lost at sea for 40+ years.
  • Local customer service teams providing real-person support
  • RORO garage decks for oversized, project, breakbulk, and vehicle cargo

Revolutionizing Atlantic Shipping Since 1967

ACL is the oldest continually operating container line in the world. It transformed the maritime industry in September 1967 when the Atlantic Span arrived on her maiden voyage at the Port of Baltimore. Longshoremen watched as a unique vessel approached the docks. Containers were stacked on and below deck in cells, while vehicles, machinery, and trailers were driven aboard through a stern ramp and secured in enclosed garage decks. This pioneering combination of container and roll-on/roll-off cargo handling dramatically improved efficiency. Cargo loaded and unloaded faster, reducing turnaround times compared with conventional vessels of that era. A design that would become ACL’s signature competitive advantage for decades to come.

The Atlantic’s Most Trusted Connection

With a long history of moving both the ordinary and extraordinary, ACL transports a diverse range of cargo, including machinery, chemicals, steel, food products, and much more. The company has successfully managed an impressive assortment of unusual and high-profile shipments, from priceless museum exhibits to aircraft and yachts. ACL has transported the personal cargo of many notable people, including British royalty, rock stars, actors and heads of state. ACL’s expertise in transatlantic shipping, ocean freight shipping, and sea freight has supported customers across a wide range of industries.

The company has transported over 100 million tons of cargo over the years, building a reputation for operational excellence and customer care. Baltimore has always played a role in ACL’s success since the company’s founding in 1967. Working together to support trade growth and strengthen Baltimore’s position as a major North Atlantic gateway, our partnership helped create one of the most efficient and customer-oriented ports in the United States.

In 2007 ACL became a wholly owned member of the Grimaldi Group. The acquisition combined ACL’s specialized transatlantic expertise with Grimaldi’s expanding global shipping network. The close relationship between the Grimaldi Group and the Port of Baltimore was further demonstrated in 2017 when the company christened their vessel Grande Baltimora, honoring the city that had become one of the most important ports in Grimaldi’s USA service.

In 2018, ACL selected Baltimore’s Dundalk Marine Terminal as the site for the christening of the Atlantic Star. The ceremony highlighted Baltimore’s importance and Commissioner Rebecca Dye of the Federal Maritime Commission served as the vessel’s godmother, underscoring the long-standing relationship between ACL, the Grimaldi Group, and the Port of Baltimore.

“The company has transported over 100 million tons of cargo over the years, building a reputation for operational excellence and customer care.”

One-of-a-Kind Service Across the Atlantic

ACL’s success stems from a willingness to operate differently than its competitors. The company remains unique as the only container carrier offering direct transatlantic service from Baltimore with the world’s largest combination RORO/containerships, making ACL a preferred choice for transatlantic shipping, ocean freight shipping, and sea freight between North America and Europe.

The Direct Choice for Northern Europe Shipping

As the nation’s leading port for roll-on/roll-off cargo, Baltimore provides the flexibility and efficiency needed to support both containerized and noncontainerized cargo. Together, ACL and the Port of Baltimore continue to provide shippers with a powerful combination of direct service, innovative vessels, operational reliability, and unmatched customer support. For businesses seeking the fastest, most reliable connection between Baltimore and Northern Europe, there is only one direct choice: Atlantic Container Line. For transatlantic shipping, ocean freight shipping, and sea freight, ACL continues to set the standard for direct service and reliability.