Some shipping firms return to Red Sea route following US-led operation

Though French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM has rerouted some of its vessels, some of the others have made the transit through the Red Sea. The company is currently devising plans to gradually raise the number of vessels transiting through the Suez Canal.

“We are taking all possible steps to minimise delays and inconvenience to our vessels and cargoes whilst making sure maximum safety is ensured at all times in this uncertain context still prevailing in the south Red Sea area,” the company said in a statement.

Danish shipping giant Maersk is preparing to resume shipping operations through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. With the Operation Prosperity Guardian initiative under way, "we are preparing to allow for vessels to resume transit through the Red Sea both eastbound and westbound", a Maersk statement said.

Maersk will again initiate diversion plans if it deems it necessary for the safety of its seafarers, it said.

"We are currently working on plans for the first vessels to make the transit and for this to happen as soon as operationally possible," it said, adding that the overall risk in the area is not eliminated at this stage.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Hapag-Lloyd have been avoiding the Red Sea route due to the increased threat of attacks.

After an MSC container ship was attacked on December 26, the company said in a statement that until safety can be ensured, it will continue to reroute vessels booked for Suez transit via the Cape of Good Hope.

Hapag-Lloyd had said last week it would redirect 25 ships by the end of the year. It will not resume its use of the Suez Canal route despite an international military operation to keep the zone safe.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)