Two vessels operated by CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container shipping company, have recently transited the Suez Canal, signalling a cautious shift in global shipping patterns after months of disruption linked to the Gaza conflict. The move suggests that security conditions in the Red Sea may be stabilising, prompting some carriers to reassess their long-standing avoidance of the strategic waterway.
Gradual Resumption of Suez Canal Transits
According to the Suez Canal Authority, the CMA CGM Jacques Saade transited the canal northbound en route from Morocco to Malaysia, while the CMA CGM Adonis passed southbound. These crossings mark a notable development after shipping companies largely diverted vessels away from the Suez Canal since November 2023 due to attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants.
The militants had targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict, forcing operators to reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope significantly increasing transit times and costs. Since a fragile ceasefire took effect on October 10, no further Houthi attacks have been reported, encouraging shipping lines to cautiously test the route once again.
Shipping Lines Remain Cautious Despite Improved Conditions
While CMA CGM has not officially commented on the latest transits, the company has previously stated that it evaluates Suez and Red Sea passages on a case-by-case basis, depending on security conditions. Vessel schedules on CMA CGM’s website also indicate plans to resume Suez Canal usage for its India–U.S. INDAMEX service from January, underscoring growing confidence in the route.
Other carriers are adopting a similarly measured approach. Maersk recently confirmed that one of its vessels navigated the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the first time in nearly two years, though the company emphasized it would proceed gradually rather than fully reopen the route. Egypt, which relies heavily on Suez Canal revenues as a source of foreign currency, is closely watching these developments.
The recent CMA CGM transits through the Suez Canal point to a tentative easing of one of the most disruptive maritime security crises in recent years. While shipping companies remain wary, the absence of recent attacks and the cautious return of major carriers could mark the early stages of normalisation for one of the world’s most vital trade corridors—provided regional stability holds in the months ahead.
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Source – Reuters
