ONE Unveils Plans to Return to Red Sea with New RCS Service Loop

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced plans to return to the Red Sea via its new RCS service connecting China, with the maiden voyage scheduled for mid-January 2026, despite lingering security concerns.

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Container shipping giant Ocean Network Express (ONE) is planning a return to the Red Sea region with the launch of a new service loop dubbed the Red Sea China Service (RCS). This move marks a significant shift in the Singapore-based carrier's network strategy following a prolonged hiatus due to geopolitical tensions.

In a customer advisory issued on Tuesday (Dec 16), ONE stated that the new service is being introduced to meet growing transport demand between China and Red Sea ports.

Rotation and Schedule Details

The SSF Dream is scheduled to undertake the service's maiden voyage from Shanghai on January 15, 2026. The inaugural sailing is voyaged as SSF Dream 2603W.

The official rotation is announced as follows: Shanghai – Qingdao – Nansha – Shekou – Jeddah – Sokhna – Aqaba – Jeddah – Shanghai – Qingdao.

In its press release, ONE highlighted the objective of this loop: “This new service has been introduced to meet the demand between China and Red-Sea ports, allowing us to better serve our customers with optimized network coverage and reliable shipping solutions.”

ONE - RCS service (Red-Sea China Service)

Source: ONE

Industry Context and The Role of Insurance

While a return to the Red Sea is being carefully weighed by many container lines, the final decision for each carrier will depend heavily on their underwriters. Rerouting vessels away from the Suez Canal (via the Cape of Good Hope) has significantly increased transit times, fuel costs, and insurance premiums, straining global supply chains and causing congestion on alternative routes.

However, positive signals are emerging. Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), stated in a press conference last month that the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit is fostering regional stability and paving the way for a return to normal maritime operations. He emphasized that canal traffic statistics witnessed positive indicators in October and November, amidst expectations for further improvement and recovery in the coming period.

The SCA chief also revealed that many companies will soon conduct "intensive discussions" aimed at adjusting vessel schedules and timelines for returning their fleets to the Red Sea.

Expert Opinion: Caution Amidst Risk

Long-term normalization of Suez Canal traffic remains inextricably linked to the geopolitical situation and maritime risk assessments. Analysts predict that any recovery will likely be gradual.

Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta – an ocean freight rate benchmarking platform – observed: “Carriers will be carrying out risk assessments, and the security situation remains fragile. The assessment will look at the Houthi’s ability, opportunity and intent to attack ships. We know they have the ability, but carriers will want assurance over their intent, especially because the opportunity will increase as more ships begin sailing through the region.”

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