Marseille-based container shipping line CMA CGM has redirected its vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, following regional unrest.
The Suez Canal witnessed recently the transit of the mega container ship CMA CGM Jacques Saade, as part of the southbound convoy, while the container ship CMA CGM Adonis, carrying 154,000 tons of cargo, transited as part of the northbound convoy.
Until now, those diversions took place on a case-by-case basis, with CMA CGM testing the water with selected Suez transits.
However, in a customer advisory posted on its website, the container line said yesterday it would, for now, reroute vessels deployed on its FAL 1, FAL 3 and MEX services via the Cape of Good Hope.
Citing a ‘complex and uncertain international context,’ CMA CGM announced its decision to reroute vessels, reflecting the industry’s broader caution about regional stability.
“In light of the complex and uncertain international context, the CMA CGM Group in constantly and closely monitoring all potential impacts on its operations. As a result, the CMA CGM Group has decided for time being to reroute vessels deployed on our FAL 1, FAL 3 and MEX services via the Cape of Good Hope. We are fully mobilized across our global network,” the company’s statement reads.
The company has opted not to expand on what these uncertainties entail.
Throughout its announcements, CMA CGM has emphasized that the situation will be reviewed regularly.
Ocean carriers remain methodical in their approach to Suez Canal returns, carefully balancing operational efficiency against security concerns.
“The return to the Suez Canal route is one of this year’s key influencing factors for capacity, freight rates, transit times and fuel consumption, and we believe our new Red Sea Diversion Tracker will help inform thousands of stakeholders in shipping,” said Philip Damas, managing director of Drewry.
Container shipping carrier giant Maersk confirmed last week that it will implement its first structural return to the trans-Suez route for the MECL service.
This applies to the MECL service which is solely operated by Maersk and connects the Middle East and India with the US East Coast.
The reopening of the Suez Canal marks a pivotal moment for global shipping after months of disruption. The Suez Canal is a vital maritime corridor between East and West and a key driver of global supply chains.
However, major carriers have adopted notably different approaches to resuming transits through this strategic waterway.
This divided response highlights the delicate balance between operational efficiency and security considerations that shipping companies must navigate.
