To continuously expand service coverage and deliver top-tier service quality, CMA CGM has announced a comprehensive revamp of its transatlantic shipping services connecting North Europe and North America. This strategic upgrade is set to reshape the route network, bringing more reliable and frequent services to shippers across both continents starting from April 2026.
Beginning in April 2026, ports on the U.S. East Coast will benefit from enhanced service coverage and increased sailing frequency, ensuring timely and smooth cargo delivery to final destinations. The upgraded transatlantic services will also leverage CMA CGM’s extensive and robust terminal network spanning Europe and North America, further optimizing transit efficiency and reliability for customers.
Phase-Out of Existing Services
As part of the route restructuring, two existing services will cease operations in their current form, making way for the new enhanced routes:
Unity Bridge (South Atlantic Coverage): The vessel “ONE TRITON” (Voyage 0NP41W1MA) will operate the final sailing, commencing its rotation in Le Havre on March 16.
Liberty Bridge: The vessel “EVER FAITH” (Voyage 0LBLXW1MA) will provide the last call to the Port of Baltimore, starting its final rotation in Southampton on March 27.
New Route Coverage Launching in April 2026
Following the phase-out of the above two services, CMA CGM will officially launch the following new routes for North America starting in April 2026, all designed to meet diverse shipper needs and expand regional coverage:
1. New Liberty Bridge Route
Dedicated to serving the U.S. North Atlantic and South Atlantic coasts, the new Liberty Bridge route will kick off with the vessel “OOCL CHONGQING” (Voyage 0LBLZW1MA) departing from Southampton on March 27. This early departure will ensure a seamless transition to the upgraded service network.
Rotation Sequence: Southampton → Antwerp → Rotterdam → Bremerhaven → Le Havre → New York → Norfolk → Charleston → Savannah → Southampton
2. Panama Direct Service (CMA CGM Exclusive)
As an exclusive service of CMA CGM, the Panama Direct route will operate with weekly frequency, offering competitive transit times and integrating key markets across Europe, the U.S. East Coast, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. It boasts large reefer capacity and direct access to French Pacific Islands.
Transatlantic Westbound (WB) Route: Zeebrugge → Rotterdam → Dunkirk → Le Havre → New York → Savannah
Transatlantic Eastbound (EB) Route: Savannah → Philadelphia → Zeebrugge → Rotterdam → Dunkirk → Le Havre
3. Victory Bridge Route
Tailored specifically for Mexico and the U.S. Gulf Coast, this route will strengthen connectivity between North Europe and the Gulf region, supporting trade growth in these key markets.
Rotation Sequence: Southampton → Rotterdam → Antwerp → Bremerhaven → Veracruz → Altamira → Houston → New Orleans → Southampton
4. California Bridge Route
Focused on serving the U.S. West Coast, the California Bridge route will provide a direct link between North Europe and major West Coast ports, facilitating efficient cargo movement for shippers targeting this region.
Rotation Sequence: Southampton → Le Havre → Hamburg → Antwerp → Miami → Cartagena → Rodman → Los Angeles → Oakland → Rodman → Caucedo → Southampton
5. Saint Laurent Route
Dedicated to the Canadian East Coast, the Saint Laurent route operates with weekly frequency and a 35-day rotation, offering the fastest transit times from Rotterdam and Antwerp to Montreal. It also provides comprehensive intermodal connections to Toronto and other key inland points[4].
Rotation Sequence: Antwerp → Bremerhaven → Rotterdam → Montreal → Halifax → Antwerp
Booking Information
All the newly launched route services are now open for booking. Shippers and freight forwarders are advised to contact CMA CGM’s local offices or authorized agents to secure space and plan their shipments in advance, ensuring seamless integration with the upgraded service network.