CMA CGM is introducing Ocean Rise Express (OCR), a new weekly service providing a direct connection between Japan, South China and North Europe.
The Asia–Europe corridor remains a strategic trade lane for the group, and the new service is aimed at offering customers enhanced reliability and faster transit times on the key East–West route.
Direct weekly link with competitive transit times
The OCR service will deploy 14 vessels ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 TEU, including one 8,000 TEU LNG-powered containership. Operated exclusively by CMA CGM, the service is designed to offer competitive transit times and improved schedule reliability.
From Yokohama, transit times to Rotterdam are estimated at 38 days, to Hamburg at 41 days and to Southampton at 45 days. From Yantian, transit times are 32 days to Rotterdam, 35 days to Hamburg and 38 days to Southampton.
The company said the new rotation is intended to accelerate cargo delivery, streamline transit flows and strengthen supply chain resilience at a time when predictability remains critical for shippers.
The inaugural sailing is scheduled for 2 April 2026, with the following port rotation: Kobe – Nagoya – Yokohama – Xiamen – Yantian – Rotterdam – Hamburg – Southampton – Nansha – Kobe.
Bo Wegener, Chief Executive Officer, CMA CGM Asia Pacific, said: “The launch of Ocean Rise Express highlights the strategic importance of Asia-Europe trade within CMA CGM’s global network. The enhanced Asia-Europe connectivity underscores our commitment to delivering greater value and reliability to our customers, while further strengthening our position as a trusted partner in global trade.”
