The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, said it is launching Ocean Rise Express (OCR), a new weekly service connecting Japan and South China directly to North Europe.

The Asia–Europe trade, CMA CGM said, is a strategic corridor for the Group and the launch of Ocean Rise Express demonstrates its strong commitment to supporting its customers' supply chains with reliable, high-performance solutions on this key East–West axis.

Direct connection from Japan/South China

CMA CGM said a fleet of fourteen vessels ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 TEUs, including one 8,000 TEUs LNG-powered containership, will be deployed on the weekly OCR service, providing shippers a direct link from Japan and South China to major North European gateways.

From Yokohama, shippers can expect their cargo to arrive in Rotterdam in 38 days, Hamburg in 41 days and Southampton in 45 days.

From Yantian, shippers can expect their cargo to arrive in Rotterdam in 32 days, Hamburg in 35 days and Southampton in 38 days.

Fully operated by CMA CGM, with the best transit times in the market, OCR accelerates cargo delivery and strengthens shippers’ time-to-market. 

"Shippers can expect greater schedule reliability, streamlined transit flows, and a more resilient end-to-end service, significant advantages at a time when supply chain predictability is more important than ever," CMA CGM said.

The inaugural sailing begins on April 2, 2026, following the rotation: Kobe – Nagoya – Yokohama – Xiamen – Yantian – Rotterdam – Hamburg – Southampton – Nansha – Kobe. 

Bo Wegener, chief executive officer, CMA CGM Asia Pacific noted that the launch of Ocean Rise Express highlights the "strategic importance" of the 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," he said.