CMA CGM, a leading global container shipping and logistics group, now connects Japan and Philippines through its JP8 service calling at the Manila South Harbor and Batangas Integrated Port, operated by DP World and Asian Terminals Inc., to move prefabricated housing materials for Japanese homebuilder Ichijo Komuen Co. Ltd.
Glen Hilton, CEO & Managing Director for DP Asia Pacific, said in a statement that that JP8 service started operating last March 18 marking the first regular international shipping connection between Sendai in Japan and the Philippines in eight years. JP8 will make a regular weekly schedule, calling at Manila South Harbor and Batangas Integrated Port – serving critical gateways for cargo moving into and out of the Philippines.
Hilton said the service strengthens connectivity to DP World’s terminals in Manila and Batangas, supporting the faster and more reliable movement of prefabricated housing materials.
In the Philippines, Ichijo produces high-quality prefabricated housing components for export to Japan through House Research Development (HRD), its local manufacturer, and Nihon Sangyo, the company within the Ichijo Komuten Group which specializes in the procurement, logistics and distribution of these materials and components. This comes amid growing demand for prefabricated housing across the Asia Pacific region.
Hilton noted that by combining direct maritime connections with DP World’s integrated logistics capabilities, cargo can move more efficiently from port to production and on to market. Its partner terminals in Manila and Batangas are supported by inland and marine solutions that help reduce congestion, improve transit times, and enhance visibility across the supply chain.
In Japan, DP World also supports the domestic movement of cargo to regional outports, ensuring seamless connectivity across both origin and destination markets.
Hilton said that its long-standing partnership with Ichijo reflects how they work alongside customers to solve complex supply chain challenges. “By combining our global network with deep local expertise, we are delivering solutions that are efficient, reliable and tailored to their needs,” he added.
The JP8 service strengthens connectivity between Japan and the Philippines, while leveraging DP World-ATI terminals in Manila South Harbour and Batangas as key access points to enable a more seamless flow of materials that supports Ichijo’s growth and delivery timelines.
Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, DP World combines global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions from ports and terminals to marine services, logistics and technology.
In Asia Pacific, DP World employs over 15,000 people across 22 geographies. It operates 17 ports and terminals, complemented by a comprehensive suite of end-to-end supply chain solutions – to connect the region to the rest of the world.
