The carriers will temporarily reroute the westbound EPIC/IP1 service through Algeciras instead of Tangier, with the revised pattern expected to remain in place until at least December 2026.
CMA CGM and COSCO Shipping Lines, together with OOCL, are temporarily diverting their westbound EPIC/IP1 loop away from Tangier and into Algeciras, in a move that underscores the fluidity of major Asia-Europe and Europe-Middle East container schedules. The change, reported by DynaLiners, is due to remain in place until at least December 2026, and comes as carriers continue to fine-tune rotations across a trade corridor that links Northern Europe with the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.
Under the revised pattern, Algeciras replaces Tangier on the westbound leg, with the sailing sequence running Algeciras, Southampton, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Le Havre, Algeciras, Jeddah, Duqm, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Colombo, Jeddah and back to Algeciras. The adjustment temporarily removes Tangier from that side of the loop, although the broader service still retains its role as a weekly connection across several major gateways in the region.
CMA CGM’s own schedule information shows that EPIC is one of its regularly updated services and that timings and port calls remain subject to change, with customers advised to check the latest details before booking. Port of Hamburg information on the EPIC, EPI-3 and IP-1 network also describes the string as a weekly service operated by CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping Lines and OOCL, serving key northern European ports alongside stops in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. CMA CGM’s flyer for the service says the rotation is built around a fleet of 11 vessels and a 77-day round voyage, highlighting the importance of fixed-day calls at main transhipment hubs such as Algeciras and Tangier Med.
For shippers and freight forwarders, the practical significance of the temporary rerouting lies less in the name of the port than in the continuity of the wider network. Algeciras and Tangier Med have long served as crucial Mediterranean interchange points for the carriers involved, and the switch suggests that the alliance is prioritising operational flexibility while preserving the service’s broader structure. In an industry where schedules are frequently revised to reflect demand, port productivity and network balancing, the change is best read as a tactical adjustment rather than a wholesale redesign of the loop.
Source Reference Map
Inspired by headline at: [1]
Sources by paragraph:
– Paragraph 1: [2], [5]
– Paragraph 2: [2], [4]
– Paragraph 3: [3], [5], [6]
– Paragraph 4: [2], [5], [6]
Source: Noah Wire Services
Verification / Sources
- https://container-news.com/cma-cgm-and-cosco-shift-epic-call-to-algeciras/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://container-news.com/cma-cgm-and-cosco-shift-epic-call-to-algeciras/ – CMA CGM and COSCO Shipping Lines/OOCL have temporarily replaced the westbound Tangier call with Algeciras on their joint EPIC/IP1 service. This adjustment is expected to remain in place until at least December 2026. The EPIC service connects Northern Europe with the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, serving several major gateways across the trade. The revised port rotation is: Algeciras – Southampton – Rotterdam – Hamburg – Antwerp – Le Havre – Algeciras – Jeddah – Duqm – Mundra – Nhava Sheva – Colombo – Jeddah – Algeciras. The change temporarily removes Tangier from the westbound schedule while adding Algeciras in its place.
- https://www.cma-cgm.com/ebusiness/schedules/line-services/schedules/EPIC?Direction=Next&LastPageIndex=4 – CMA CGM provides detailed schedules for the EPIC service, including upcoming voyages and port calls. The service connects Northern Europe with the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, serving several major gateways across the trade. The schedules are subject to change, and customers are advised to check regularly or contact local agents for the most up-to-date information.
- https://www.cma-cgm.com/ebusiness/schedules/line-services/schedules/EPIC – CMA CGM offers comprehensive information on the EPIC service, including schedules, ports of call, and prices. The service connects Northern Europe with the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, serving several major gateways across the trade. The schedules are indicative and subject to change, and customers are encouraged to check regularly or contact local agents for the most current information.
- https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en/services/epic-epi3-ip-1/ – The Port of Hamburg provides information on the EPIC/EPI-3/IP-1 service, which is a weekly container service connecting Northern Europe with the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The service includes ports such as Hamburg, Antwerp, Le Havre, Algeciras, Duqm, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Colombo, Tangier, Southampton, and Rotterdam. The service is operated by CMA CGM, COSCO SHIPPING Lines, and Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd.
- https://www.cma-cgm.fr/ebusiness/schedules/lignes-maritimes/flyer/EPIC – CMA CGM provides a flyer for the Europe Pakistan India Consortium (EPIC) service, detailing its frequency, fleet, and port rotation. The service operates weekly with a fleet of 11 vessels and a duration of 77 days. The port rotation includes Duqm, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Colombo, Jeddah, Tangier Med, Southampton, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Le Havre, Algeciras, Jeddah, and Duqm. The flyer highlights the direct, fixed-day, weekly calls in five North European ports, covering main transshipment hubs for the US and South America services (Algeciras & Tangier).
- https://www.cma-cgm.com/ebusiness/schedules/line-services/schedules/EPIC?Direction=Previous&LastPageIndex=4 – CMA CGM provides detailed schedules for the EPIC service, including previous voyages and port calls. The service connects Northern Europe with the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, serving several major gateways across the trade. The schedules are subject to change, and customers are advised to check regularly or contact local agents for the most up-to-date information.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score: 10
Notes: The article was published on October 18, 2026, and reports a change effective from October 12, 2026. The information is current and not recycled. The source, Container News, is a reputable industry publication. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The article does not appear to be based on a press release. No similar narratives were found published more than 7 days earlier. The article includes updated data and does not recycle older material. The content appears original and fresh.
Quotes check
Score: 10
Notes: The article does not contain direct quotes. All information is paraphrased or summarised from the original sources. No concerns regarding the use of quotes.
Source reliability
Score: 8
Notes: Container News is a reputable industry publication. However, it is a niche source, which may limit its reach and audience. The article is not based on a press release, which adds to its credibility. No concerns regarding the reliability of the source.
Plausibility check
Score: 10
Notes: The claims made in the article are plausible and align with industry practices. The article provides specific details about the service rotation and the temporary nature of the change. No inconsistencies or implausible claims were found.