France’s CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container shipping operator, will launch a new direct Japan-to-Europe service starting April 2, 2026. The route, named Ocean Rise Express(OCR), aims to maintain cargo on single-ship strings, reducing transshipment, lowering risk of loss, and improving on-time delivery for shippers.
The weekly service will use 14 vessels ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 TEU, calling at Kobe, Nagoya, Yokohama, Xiamen, Yantian, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Southampton, and Nansha. Transit times from Yokohama to Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Southampton are projected at 38, 41, and 45 days, respectively, while from Yantian they are 32, 35, and 38 days.
The launch follows Japan’s Ocean Network Express discontinuing its direct Japan-Europe service, which previously required Japanese cargo to be transshipped in Busan, South Korea. By operating the loop entirely with CMA CGM tonnage, the carrier seeks to improve schedule reliability and time-to-market while strengthening its strategic Asia-Europe network.
Bo Wegener, CEO of CMA CGM Asia Pacific, emphasized: “The launch of Ocean Rise Express highlights the strategic importance of Asia‑Europe trade within CMA CGM’s global network. The enhanced connectivity underscores our commitment to delivering greater value and reliability to our customers.”
The move comes amid falling freight rates caused by increased container ship deliveries and global supply-demand stabilization, prompting CMA CGM to expand routes and secure revenue streams.
