Ocean Network Express Will Add Rio de Janeiro Stop

The shipping firm will modify its East Coast South America Express 2 service rotation this October.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Transportation

Isometric editorial illustration of a shipping container on a pier with distant coastal landforms, representing international maritime logistics.
Ocean Network Express will incorporate an additional call at the port of Rio de Janeiro into its East Coast South America Express 2 service beginning 15 October 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Ocean Network Express will adjust its weekly East Coast South America Express 2 service to include a second call at the port of Rio de Janeiro. The updated rotation schedule will take effect with the vessel Seattle Bridge, voyage 0105E, beginning 15 October 2026.

Why it matters

The operational adjustment is designed to optimize the shipping carrier's network efficiency. By incorporating an additional stop, the company aims to enhance service reliability for its maritime transport routes.

The East Coast South America Express 2 service operates on a weekly cycle with a multi-port rotation. The modification introduces a second call at Rio de Janeiro alongside established ports including Pusan, Shanghai, Shekou, Singapore, Santos, Itapoa, Cai Mep, and Haiphong.

The players

Ocean Network Express

Ocean Network Express is a global container shipping company formed through the integration of the container shipping businesses of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Nippon Yusen Kaisha.

Seattle Bridge

The Seattle Bridge is a container vessel operated by Ocean Network Express that is assigned to the East Coast South America Express 2 service.

The details

The vessel Seattle Bridge, designated as voyage 0105E, will be the first to implement the revised route structure. This change modifies the eastbound sequence to accommodate the extra call, impacting the overall path between the major Asian hubs and the South American ports.

Timeline

  1. 15 October 2026 marks the date of the scheduled second call at Rio de Janeiro.

Market Landscape

This route adjustment reflects a broader trend of shipping lines fine-tuning port rotations to address global supply chain complexities. By optimizing these paths, carriers compete to improve transit consistency while managing the operational demands of intercontinental maritime trade.

For shippers and logistics partners, the additional port call may provide more flexible options for cargo routing to and from Brazil. Clients should consult their account representatives to determine how this schedule change affects specific delivery timelines for goods moving along the East Coast South America Express 2 service.

The takeaway

Operational shifts in maritime logistics are frequently employed to improve overall fleet reliability and network throughput. Businesses dependent on international shipping should regularly monitor carrier rotation updates to ensure their supply chains remain optimized for changing transit schedules.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest developments in the global sector on the Transportation page.