- CMA CGM to Resume Suez Transit on India–US Service From January.
- Shipping Industry Braces for Gradual Suez Comeback.
- Carriers Warn Full Return Hinges on Security Stability.
Major shipping companies are taking a fresh look at their reliance on the Suez Canal after nearly two years of disruptions due to security concerns in the Red Sea. Since November 2023, many carriers have been rerouting their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, following attacks on commercial ships by Yemen’s Houthi forces, who have expressed solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. A ceasefire agreement reached in October has led to cautious steps toward resuming operations through the Suez, but most companies are emphasising that safety is their top priority, reports Reuters.
Maersk
The Danish shipping giant announced on Friday that one of its vessels successfully navigated the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the first time in nearly two years. However, Maersk has no immediate plans to fully reopen the route and isn’t considering a broader shift back to the Suez Canal for its East–West network. The company described this recent passage as part of a “stepwise approach” toward a potential resumption, highlighting the importance of ongoing security assessments.
CMA CGM
The world’s third-largest container shipping line, which has conducted limited transits through the Suez when conditions allow, plans to utilise the canal for its India–U.S. INDAMEX service starting in January, as indicated by schedules on its website. Earlier in December, the CEO of the German shipping group mentioned that any industry-wide return to the Suez Canal would be gradual, with a transition period of 60 to 90 days to rebalance logistics and avoid sudden port congestion.
Hapag-Lloyd
The world’s fifth-largest container shipping company hasn’t responded immediately to requests for comment. However, Hapag-Lloyd, along with Maersk, had previously urged caution in November, stating that both companies were closely monitoring the situation for clear signs of improved security before making any significant operational changes.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen
The Norwegian car carrier has announced that it is still evaluating the situation and will hold off on resuming transits through the Red Sea until certain safety conditions are met. A spokesperson for the company emphasised that any decision to return will hinge on consistent improvements in security within the region.
Outlook
Although the initial test transits and limited service resumptions bring a sense of cautious optimism, shipping companies are in agreement that a full-scale return to the Suez Canal won’t happen right away. Most carriers anticipate a gradual and carefully managed transition, ensuring they strike a balance between operational efficiency and the safety of their crews and vessels.
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Source: Reuters
