CMA CGM, a French container shipping company, has announced adjustments to its routes, with most affected services being diverted away from the Red Sea. The company will continue to assess some Red Sea voyages individually, taking into account the ongoing risks in the region.
Several major shipping lines have diverted their vessels away from the Red Sea-Suez Canal-Gulf of Aden route, which passes around the Horn of Africa, due to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on merchant ships they associate with Israel. These assaults, involving missiles, drones, and watercraft, began after the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023.
The extended voyage times have impacted the global supply chain, reducing shipping capacity and contributing to increased freight rates. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of four crew members and the sinking of multiple vessels.
In response to the security situation, U.S. and EU naval forces have begun escorting vessels through the Red Sea. Several images of CMA CGM ships under escort have been shared on social media by military forces.
The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has provided some hope for stability in the region. However, CMA CGM has stated that it will continue prioritizing alternative routes, notably relying on the Cape of Good Hope for the majority of its network, while maintaining a flexible approach based on operational and security conditions.
On January 22, 2025, the Houthi rebels released the Filipino crew of the Galaxy Leader, a ro-ro vessel held in Yemen since November 2023. The World Shipping Council commended the release and emphasized the importance of secure maritime routes to ensure the safety of seafarers and the continued flow of global trade.
Recent reports from a United Kingdom-based website monitoring Red Sea incidents include warnings from a military vessel advising a merchant ship to head toward Iranian waters. Other incidents reported involve suspected Iranian vessels challenging merchant ships, including one case where a green laser was directed at a ship’s bridge. These events have been linked to a widely-publicized exercise conducted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Meanwhile, the 15,000-TEU vessel MSC Aries and its crew, taken hostage in 2024, remain in Iran.
Explore the newest supply chain news at The Supply Chain Report. Visit ADAMftd.com for free international trade tools.
#GlobalShipping #MaritimeSecurity #SupplyChainRisks #RedSeaRoutes #LogisticsUpdates
