CMA CGM rewires networks
CMA CGM rolled out a new triple-loop West Africa Express (WAX) to reshape Asia–West Africa connectivity, while major carriers are beefing up land-based and value‑added logistics to hedge ocean volatility. The move is a practical example of route optimization and alliance-driven network resilience. (logistics-manager.com) (shippingwatch.com)
WAX1’s inaugural sailing is scheduled with the CMA CGM ZEPHYR departing Qingdao on 30 March 2026. WAX2 is slated to start its first rotation on 30 March 2026 with the MAERSK CAMPBELL listed as the sailing vessel. WAX1’s published rotation includes Ningbo, Nansha, Shekou, Singapore, Colombo, Abidjan, Lekki, Kribi and Vung Tau. CMA CGM’s public schedules list the WAX line strength as weekly service deploying some 13 vessels of roughly 3,500–3,700 TEU on its online line presentation. The carrier’s WAX3 flyer separately shows WAX3 operating a weekly rotation with a reported 84‑day loop and deploying 12 vessels of about 4,500 TEU for that leg. CMA CGM highlights intermodal reach from the Abidjan gateway with land services to Ouagadougou, Bobo Dioulasso and Mali, and road transit times quoted at 18 days to Niamey and 15 days to Ouagadougou. The company framed the three‑loop split as a direct response to mounting capacity and transit pressures and accelerating cargo demand across the Central West Africa range to protect schedule reliability. Industry outlets note the overhaul is intended to reduce port-congestion delays and provide more specialized rotations for high‑value or project cargo bound for hubs such as Apapa, Tema and Lekki.
