Ports

Nearly Two-Thirds of Far East-Europe Capacity Returns to Suez Route

Approximately 63% of ocean capacity on Far East-Europe services has resumed transiting the Suez Canal after three years of Cape of Good Hope diversions. An analysis of the 10 largest carrier networks found vessels on 24 of 46 direct services moving through the Red Sea, representing 70% of deployed capacity on Far East-Mediterranean routes. Far East-North Europe trades showed slightly lower adoption at 58%. Available capacity on these lanes exceeds 5.7 million teu, with CMA CGM among the major operators. However, the transition remains cautious. Multiple operators are employing hybrid strategies, using the Suez route for European-bound voyages while maintaining Cape passages for return journeys. Five of ten surveyed carriers confirmed recent Red Sea resumptions, with that number expected to reach eight following additional carrier decisions.