Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced a modification to its Irish Sea Express (ISE) service port rotation, which will take effect in late May 2026. The primary change involves establishing a direct sea connection between Southampton and Ireland, alongside the continuation of the Rotterdam-Belfast route.
The updated service will operate using two distinct loops. The first loop will connect Southampton, Dublin, and Cork, before returning to Southampton. The second loop will maintain the current itinerary of Rotterdam, Belfast, and Greenock, then return to Rotterdam.
For freight forwarders and shippers, this adjustment means improved direct access between the UK's south coast and key Irish ports. The new Southampton-Ireland direct link could potentially offer faster transit times and more streamlined logistics for cargo moving between these regions. Conversely, the continued Rotterdam-Belfast connection ensures stability for existing supply chains serving Northern Ireland from continental Europe. Forwarders should review their current bookings and future shipping plans to leverage the new direct service where beneficial, potentially reducing reliance on transshipment or alternative transport modes for certain routes.
