Posted on: December 17, 2025 / Last updated: December 17, 2025
FP1 Service Restructuring Reveals Structural Challenges at Japanese Ports
ONE has restructured its FP1 service, fundamentally changing Japan’s export routes to Europe.
Direct calls from Japanese ports to Europe have effectively disappeared.
Japanese export cargo is now fully dependent on Busan transshipment.
CONTENTS
What FP1 Used to Be
FP1 was a pendulum service connecting Europe, Asia, and the US West Coast.
Japanese ports benefited from direct calls that ensured predictable lead times and lower cargo damage risks.
Why ONE Changed the Service
ONE cites schedule reliability and geopolitical risks as official reasons.
However, deeper structural issues at Japanese ports played a decisive role.
Four Structural Challenges Facing Japan
- Declining export volumes
- Fragmented port structure
- Higher costs and operational inefficiency
- Geographical disadvantage at the end of Asia routes
The FP1 restructuring signals a broader shift toward Japan passing in global shipping networks.
Implications for Shippers
Longer lead times and transshipment risks must now be built into logistics planning.
Shippers need to redesign supply chains based on this new reality.
