CMA CGM Doubles Suez Canal Transits as Shippers Pay Premiums to Mitigate Red Sea Delays
French shipping line CMA CGM is doubling its Suez Canal transits despite ongoing Houthi rebel threats in the Red Sea. The decision is driven by shipper demand, with customers willing to pay significant premiums to avoid the longer, more costly route around the Cape of Good Hope. The carrier is offering a premium "Suez Canal routing" option that includes additional war risk and Red Sea surcharges. To ensure vessel safety, CMA CGM is utilizing French naval escorts through the high-risk corridor. This strategy contrasts with competitors like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, who continue to divert the majority of their fleets.
Official Source: https://theloadstar.com/shippers-happy-to-pay-premium-so-cma-cgm-doubles-suez-transits/