CMA CGM strengthens Vietnam-U.S. West Coast network

The CMA CGM Group is transforming its Java Sea Express (JAX) into the Mekong Transpacific Express (MTE), strengthening its Vietnam offering on the Transpacific trade. The new service will provide stable, direct and reliable connections from Vietnam to the U.S. West Coast, underscoring the country’s growing role in global supply chains.

Expanded direct coverage from Vietnam

MTE will serve both Haiphong and Vung Tau through a dedicated weekly loop fully operated by CMA CGM, giving customers in Vietnam a direct, end-to-end solution to the U.S. West Coast. By adding Haiphong to the service, CMA CGM expands market coverage while offering competitive transit times, stronger schedule reliability and better inland access via Los Angeles.

For shippers in Southern Vietnam, established barge connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and CMA CGM’s joint venture terminal, Gemalink in Cai Mep, complements MTE by enabling smoother cargo flows and greater operational efficiency. This regional network is further strengthened by our premium GIL-operated barge service linking Phnom Penh Port to Gemalink in Cai Mep, offering Cambodian shippers a seamless end-to-end connection. This connectivity will be further supported by the ongoing Phase 2 expansion of Gemalink Container Terminal, which increase capacity from 1.7 million to 3 million TEUs by 2027 at one of Vietnam’s key deep-water gateways.

With MTE calling at Fenix Marine Services (FMS) in Los Angeles, CMA CGM’s own terminal, shippers have access to on-dock rail connectivity to inland destinations and to the Group’s SEAPRIORITY value-added services.

MTE begins its maiden voyage on APL DANUBE on 28 May from Haiphong with the following port rotation: Haiphong – Vung Tau – Shanghai – Los Angeles – Oakland – Kaohsiung.

Continued coverage across Southeast Asia

Customers currently using JAX for Port Klang, Singapore and Laem Chabang will continue to benefit from alternative CMA CGM solutions. Cargo from Singapore and Laem Chabang will transition to the Pearl River Express (PEARL) service, while Port Klang will be served via relay through Singapore, ensuring continuity and flexibility across Southeast Asia.

Backing Vietnam’s long-term growth

With MTE, CMA CGM is deepening its focus on the fast-growing Vietnam-U.S. trade lane while further optimizing its regional network to meet evolving customer needs. The launch reinforces the Group’s long-term commitment to delivering agile, reliable and high-performance shipping solutions across Asia and beyond.

Amelie Humphreys, Managing Director, CMA CGM Vietnam said, “The launch of the Mekong Transpacific Express is more than a service enhancement. It is a clear signal of our long-term commitment to Vietnam and to customers seeking stronger, more resilient supply chain connections to the U.S. West Coast. As Vietnam’s role in global manufacturing and trade continues to grow, CMA CGM is investing in the network strength, operational control and service quality needed to support that growth.”

CMA CGM in Vietnam

The CMA CGM Group has been present in Vietnam since 1989 and currently operates 5 offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Haiphong, Danang and Quy Nhon, with more than 550 employees. The Group runs 29 weekly services across 7 ports in the country, connecting major global destinations through a state-of-the-art intermodal network powered by CEVA Logistics.