CMA CGM Group has enhanced its Transatlantic Panama Direct (PAD) service with the addition of a direct call at Cork, strengthening port connectivity between Ireland, North Europe and the US East Coast.
The upgraded service, launching on 28 April 2026, will provide a weekly connection linking Cork with New York and Savannah, offering transit times of approximately nine days and 11 days respectively.
The revised rotation is supported by an additional vessel and optimised scheduling, aimed at improving reliability and predictability for port and terminal operations.
From a network perspective, the PAD service extends coverage across key North European gateways, including Le Havre, Rotterdam, Dunkerque and Zeebrugge.
The inclusion of Cork enhances Ireland’s direct access to transatlantic trade lanes. The service is also integrated with feeder networks via Rotterdam, enabling onward connections to Baltic and Scandinavian ports.
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In the US, calls at CMA CGM-operated terminals at Port Liberty are expected to support faster turnaround times through priority berthing, addressing ongoing congestion pressures.
For ports and terminals, the enhanced rotation is likely to drive throughput growth across both Irish and North European hubs, while improving utilisation across transatlantic corridors.
The PAD service is positioned to handle a mix of cargoes, including pharmaceuticals, agri-food products and general freight, with a focus on time-sensitive and higher-value shipments. The improved transit times may also offer an alternative to air freight on selected routes.
CMA CGM has maintained a presence in Ireland for over two decades, with regular calls at multiple ports and a network of weekly services supporting trade flows.
The addition of Cork further strengthens the carrier’s integration of maritime and landside logistics, including services delivered through its subsidiary CEVA Logistics.
For more information:
CMA CGM – https://www.cma-cgm.com/
