Ocean Network Express (ONE) has officially announced the launch of its new Red-Sea China Service (RCS), an expansion aimed at bolstering maritime links between major Chinese hubs and key ports in the Red Sea.
The introduction of this dedicated route comes as a direct response to growing market demand and the need for more efficient trade corridors between these regions.
The RCS is designed to offer shippers optimised network coverage, providing a more reliable and streamlined solution for cargo moving through these high-traffic lanes. By establishing this direct link, ONE aims to enhance schedule integrity and provide greater supply chain predictability for its global customer base.
The service will follow an extensive port rotation starting in Shanghai, proceeding through Qingdao, Nansha, and Shekou, before heading to Jeddah, Sokhna, and Aqaba, then returning via Jeddah to Shanghai and Qingdao.
The inaugural voyage is scheduled to commence with the M/V SSF DREAM 2603W, which is expected to arrive at the Port of Shanghai on January 15, 2026.
Economic & operational impacts
Diverting ships around the Cape of Good Hope adds roughly 10–14 days to a journey and increases fuel consumption by nearly 40%.
According to the Logistic Outlook, a direct service like the RCS is designed to bypass these delays, provided safe passage is maintained.
Shippers have faced volatile war-riskinsurance premiums and surcharges. By establishing a fixed, direct rotation (Shanghai to Jeddah and Sokhna), ONE aims to provide more predictable costs compared to the spot-market chaos seen at the height of the disruptions.