The CMA CGM Group has enhanced its Eagle Express 1 (EX1) service, reinforcing Japan’s trade links with the United States West Coast and expanding its regional service offering.
The upgraded EX1, a U.S.-flag weekly service, introduces additional Japanese port calls at Kobe, Nagoya and Yokohama. The improvements aim to deliver faster transit times and greater schedule reliability for shippers moving cargo to the U.S. West Coast.
Faster Transit to Los Angeles
Under the enhanced rotation, cargo will reach Los Angeles in:
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16 days from Kobe
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14 days from Nagoya
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12 days from Yokohama
The service is supported by CMA CGM’s terminal presence in Los Angeles (FMS), Busan (BNC) and Yokohama (Honmoku D5), strengthening operational reliability and supply chain resilience.
Improved Inland Connectivity
Japanese exporters will benefit from on-dock rail connections at Los Angeles (FMS), enabling day-definite delivery to key Midwest and Southern U.S. markets. The improved inland access enhances end-to-end supply chain predictability.
The enhanced EX1 also supports U.S. importers sourcing from Japan and maintains stable export capacity from the U.S. West Coast.
Service Details
Seven 5,600 TEU vessels will operate on the upgraded weekly rotation, which will commence from Kobe on 5 May.
New rotation:
Qingdao – Busan – Kobe – Nagoya – Yokohama – Los Angeles – Oakland – Yokohama – Naha – Busan – Qingdao.
Bo Wegener, Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Asia Pacific, said the enhancements reflect the Group’s commitment to reliability and effective shipping solutions while strengthening Asia–U.S. trade connectivity.
