CMA CGM Group is strengthening its Asia–Europe network with the launch of Ocean Rise Express (OCR), a new weekly service providing a direct connection between Japan, South China and key North European gateways.
The Asia–Europe corridor remains one of the most strategically important East–West trades, and the introduction of OCR reflects CMA CGM’s continued investment in improving transit times and schedule reliability for shippers moving cargo between the regions.
The service will deploy a fleet of 14 vessels ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 TEUs, including one 8,000 TEU LNG-powered containership. Fully operated by CMA CGM, OCR is designed to offer some of the fastest transit times in the market.
From Yokohama, cargo is expected to reach Rotterdam in 38 days, Hamburg in 41 days and Southampton in 45 days. From Yantian, transit times improve further, with Rotterdam in 32 days, Hamburg in 35 days and Southampton in 38 days.
By providing a direct link from Japan and South China into North Europe, the service aims to streamline cargo flows, reduce transshipment complexity and enhance end-to-end predictability at a time when supply chain resilience remains a priority for global shippers.
The inaugural sailing is scheduled for 2 April 2026, following the rotation: Kobe – Nagoya – Yokohama – Xiamen – Yantian – Rotterdam – Hamburg – Southampton – Nansha – Kobe.
Bo Wegener, chief executive officer of CMA CGM Asia Pacific, said the launch “highlights the strategic importance of the Asia–Europe trade within CMA CGM’s global network”.
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