United Arab Emirates-based DP World is supporting expanded shipping links between Japan and the Philippines through a new service aimed at improving movement of prefabricated housing materials, according to a report by Parcel and Postal Technology International.

The JP8 service, operated by France-based CMA CGM, connects Sendai in Japan with ports in the Philippines including Manila South Harbour and Batangas Integrated Port. The weekly service began on 18 March and represents the first regular international shipping link between Sendai and the Philippines in eight years.

Both Philippine ports are operated by Asian Terminals Inc, DP World's local partner, and serve as key gateways for cargo moving between the two countries. The service is being used to support Japanese homebuilder Ichijo Komuten, which manufactures prefabricated housing components in the Philippines for export to Japan.

Production is carried out by House Research Development, with logistics and distribution managed by group company Nihon Sangyo. DP World stated the new route improves connectivity between origin and destination markets, allowing materials to move more efficiently from port to production facilities and onward to end markets.

Chief Executive and Managing Director for Asia-Pacific Glen Hilton stated: "Our long-standing partnership with Ichijo reflects how we work alongside our customers to solve complex supply chain challenges."

Hilton added that the JP8 service strengthens connectivity between Japan and the Philippines whilst supporting more efficient cargo flows through DP World's terminals. The company's logistics network also supports inland and marine transportation to reduce congestion and improve transit times.

Read the complete details of DP World's support for the new Japan-Philippines prefabricated housing materials service in the full article.