CMA CGM will launch its new KORA EXPRESS service to strengthen container connections between Northern Europe and West Africa.
The weekly service will offer direct calls to key West African markets, including Ghana, Nigeria and Benin. CMA CGM said the service will provide faster transit times, increased capacity and improved network reliability.
The carrier highlighted a 15-day transit time from Antwerp to Tema, describing it as the fastest on the market.
KORA EXPRESS will deploy 4,200-TEU vessels on a weekly schedule operated entirely by CMA CGM. The first sailing will be performed by the Navios Verano, departing Southampton on 26 August 2026.
The service will call Southampton, Vlissingen, Antwerp, Tanger Med, Algeciras, Tema, Lekki, Cotonou and Dakar.
CMA CGM said customers will also benefit from connections through its Tanger Med and Algeciras hubs, providing access to its wider global network.
Alongside the new service, the carrier will reposition its EURAF 5 service to focus on the South Range of West Africa.
The revised EURAF 5 rotation will serve Tanger Med, Nouakchott, Kribi, Libreville, Pointe Noire and Luanda, offering direct coverage of Cameroon, Gabon, Congo and Angola.
CMA CGM said the two services will provide dedicated coverage across West Africa while improving transit times and offering customers more tailored shipping solutions.
