CMA CGM Set to Resume Regular Red Sea Transits Amid Crisis Adjustments

20 Jan CMA CGM Set to Resume Regular Red Sea Transits Amid Crisis Adjustments

Evidence suggests that CMA CGM is poised to become the first liner operator to resume regular Red Sea transits. AIS data shows that the 11,400 teu CMA CGM Columba, part of the Europe-Middle East/India service (EPIC), departed Algeciras over the weekend and is en route to the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, expected to arrive on the evening of 22 January, with a southbound transit likely the following day.


Key Developments:

  • Service Adjustments Amid Crisis:
    The ongoing Red Sea crisis had forced EPIC service vessels, jointly operated by CMA CGM, Cosco, and OOCL, with ONE as a slot charterer, to bypass the Suez Canal and divert around the Cape of Good Hope. This led to an expanded deployment of 13 ships to maintain the service.
  • Return to Pre-Crisis Operations:
    CMA CGM Columba’s anticipated transit marks a significant step towards restoring standard operations. Previously omitted calls at the Saudi Red Sea port of Jeddah, once the country’s main container gateway, may also resume. Until now, Jeddah has been served by feeders from UAE hub ports.
  • Ocean Alliance’s Day 9 Roll-Out:
    Analysts at Linerlytica and eeSea suggest that CMA CGM and its partners could return to regular canal transits ahead of schedule due to their preparedness under the Ocean Alliance’s new network set for April.

Supporting Evidence:

  • CMA CGM Titus Movements:
    The 8,500 teu CMA CGM Titus, deployed on the Medex service since August 2022, recently completed Suez transits on 23 November and 31 December. It is currently berthed at CMA CGM’s Maltese hub, with potential plans for a Mediterranean routing back to Jeddah on its next eastbound voyage.
  • Crisis Impact and Recovery:
    The return to Suez transits could reduce voyage distances and improve service reliability, benefiting shippers who have faced delays due to Cape of Good Hope diversions.

Broader Implications:

CMA CGM’s move could signal a shift in the shipping landscape, paving the way for other carriers to resume normal operations in the Red Sea region. This development may alleviate some pressure on global shipping lanes affected by the crisis.



en_CAEnglish (Canada)