ONE Launches MAX Service

Key Takeaways

• ONE's MAX links Far East, Northern Europe, West Africa.
• Weekly rotation includes Algeciras, Tangier, Dakar, Tema, Lekki, Abidjan.
• Algeciras and Tangier serve as primary transshipment hubs.
• Service aims to cut transit times and boost capacity.
• First MAX call scheduled for July 7, 2026.

Pulse Analysis

Ocean Network Express, the joint venture of three Japanese carriers, has been reshaping its network to address shifting trade patterns. The launch of the Mediterranean Africa Express (MAX) reflects a strategic pivot toward the growing Africa‑Europe‑Asia corridor, where demand for reliable container capacity is outpacing supply. By anchoring the service at Algeciras and Tangier—two of the Mediterranean’s most efficient transshipment hubs—ONE taps into existing infrastructure while creating a dedicated lane that bypasses congested traditional routes.

The MAX route operates on a weekly rotation, stopping at Algeciras, Tangier, Dakar, Tema, Lekki and Abidjan before looping back. This configuration shortens dwell times and offers shippers a predictable schedule, crucial for time‑sensitive cargo such as automotive parts and high‑value electronics. Early estimates suggest transit times could improve by up to two days compared with legacy services, while the added capacity helps absorb the surge in exports from West African economies and imports from Asian manufacturers.

Industry analysts view the MAX launch as a bellwether for intensified competition in the Mediterranean‑Africa segment. Competitors like Maersk and MSC are also expanding African footprints, but ONE’s focus on a streamlined hub‑and‑spoke model may deliver cost advantages that attract price‑sensitive customers. Over the next 12‑18 months, the service could stimulate trade volume growth of 5‑7% across the covered ports, reinforcing the strategic importance of Africa in global supply chains and prompting further investment in port infrastructure.