THE ONLY container line service previously linking Australia with Europe via Suez looks unlikely to return to that routing any time soon.
The MSC AES/CMA CGM NEMO service began diverting via the Cape of Good Hope in December 2023, avoiding the strife-torn Red Sea area and hubbing Mediterranean cargo at Valencia. Additional ships were added to the service to maintain weekly frequency.
But virtually all major global carriers are not expecting to return to Suez transits anytime soon.
“The situation in the Suez Canal remains fluid and the security situation is unclear,” MSC said last week. “In order to guarantee the safety of our seafarers and to ensure consistency and predictability of service for our customers, MSC will continue to transit via the Cape of Good Hope until further notice.”
CMA CGM was a little more forthcoming: “In light of the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, CMA CGM would like to provide an update regarding possible adjustments to our future network routing regarding South Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” it said.
“The ceasefire allows humanitarian relief and hope for peace. Recent developments in the region suggest progress towards greater stability, which is a positive but fragile sign for the global shipping and logistics industry.
“Yet, the safety of our seafarers, vessels, and our customers’ cargo remains the CMA CGM Group’s utmost priority. Given the ongoing tensions and associated risks for commercial vessels in certain areas, CMA CGM will for time being continue to prioritize alternative routes, including a significant reliance on passage via the Cape of Good Hope.
“While this approach applies to the majority of our network, adjustments may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on security and global operational conditions. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any updates.”
With their Gemini Co-operation due to begin this weekend Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd – which have presented alternative networks, depending on Suez or Cape of Good Hope transits, have made clear they will commence and continue with the latter.
“The ceasefire agreement brings much-needed humanitarian relief and hope for peace to be restored, and the announcement from the Houthi organisation on their plans to cease attacks in the area with peace talks ongoing, is a very welcome step in the right direction towards stability and eventual normality for the global shipping industry,” Maersk said.
“The process to bring the current conflict between Israel and Hamas to an end is dependent on a multi-phased roadmap continuing to be met, and as such the predictability of the situation remains a complex challenge.
“Furthermore, due to the continued tensions in the region, the security risk of commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb strait remains high.
“With this in mind – and the safety of our crew, vessels, and your cargo being our utmost priority – Maersk will continue to sail around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope until safe passage through the area is ensured for the longer term.
“We have taken this decision to optimise stability and certainty across your supply chain. Returning to the area without fully ensuring safe passage could result in our networks needing to be adjusted again, which would prove complicated both operationally and indeed for supply chain management.
“Regarding the Gemini Cooperation and our East West network (also referred to as the Network of the Future), this will be phasing in via the Cape of Good Hope as planned on 1 February 2025 and we encourage you to continue planning your supply chain around this set-up,” Maersk said.
