- January 22, 2026
- Category title
Global shipping major CMA CGM has announced plans to re-route vessels on three of its services away from the Suez Canal, citing ongoing geopolitical risks and global uncertainty. The decision marks a cautious step back from earlier efforts to increase transits through the strategic waterway after nearly two years of disruption.
The Suez Canal, a vital artery for Asia–Europe trade, has seen reduced traffic since late 2023, when multiple vessels were attacked in the Red Sea. These attacks were carried out by Yemeni Houthi rebels, who said their actions were linked to the war in Gaza and solidarity with Palestinians. As a result, many shipping lines diverted their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing voyage times and costs.
Disclaimer: This image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict a specific CMA CGM vessel or event. All visual content is representative and intended to support the accompanying article.
By scaling back Suez sailings, CMA CGM is prioritizing crew safety, cargo security, and operational reliability, even as it balances longer transit times and higher fuel consumption associated with alternative routes.
The decision underscores a broader trend in the global shipping industry: route flexibility and risk management have become central to network planning. With geopolitical tensions continuing to influence maritime trade, carriers are likely to maintain diversified routing strategies rather than relying heavily on a single chokepoint.
As the situation in the Red Sea evolves, the industry will closely watch whether stability returns to the region—or whether rerouting via southern Africa becomes a longer-term norm for Asia–Europe shipping lanes.
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