DP World is supporting Japanese homebuilder Ichijo Komuten Co., Ltd. (Ichijo)’s Japan–Philippines supply chain by tapping CMA CGM’s JP8 service linking Sendai with Philippine ports.

The service strengthens connectivity to DP World's terminals in Manila and Batangas, supporting the faster and more reliable movement of prefabricated housing materials.

The JP8 service, which began on March 18, marks the first regular international shipping connection between Sendai in Japan and the Philippines in eight years.

Operated by CMA CGM on a weekly schedule, the service calls at Manila South Harbour and Batangas Integrated Port — both operated by DP World's strategic local partner, Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) — which serve as critical gateways for cargo moving into and out of the Philippines.

The service strengthens DP World's ability to support Ichijo's operations in the Philippines, where it 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 specialises in the procurement, logistics and distribution of these materials and components. This comes amid growing demand for prefabricated housing across APAC.

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.

"Our long-standing partnership with Ichijo reflects how we work alongside our 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," said Glen Hilton, CEO & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, DP World.

"The JP8 service strengthens connectivity between Japan and the Philippines, while leveraging our terminals in Manila South Harbour and Batangas as key access points. Together, we are enabling a more seamless flow of materials that supports Ichijo's growth and delivery timelines," he added.