French carrier CMA CGM will keep three services on the longer route around Africa instead of using the Suez Canal, even as Maersk returns to the Red Sea and markets weigh capacity and freight-rate impacts.
With security conditions improving in the Red Sea, Maersk has run a second test voyage via Bab el-Mandeb on its MECL service, while CMA CGM is so far the only carrier to restore a full INDAMEX loop through Suez.
BIMCO reports that Suez Canal traffic in the first week of 2026 was only about 40% of the 2023 level, roughly 100 days after the last Houthi attack, with container ship transits still down 86% in late 2025.
A bulk carrier transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait was chased and fired on twice by suspected pirates, with onboard guards returning fire. All crew were reported safe in this strategic waterway for oil and gas exports.
CMA CGM will restart its INDAMEX service via the Suez Canal, cutting the full loop to 77 days and freeing up two vessels as the container market faces overcapacity and weaker spot rates.
Suez Canal traffic is beginning to rise as carriers reassess Red Sea routes following the pause in Houthi attacks. Recent transit data and direct engagement by the Suez Canal Authority highlight a measured return of vessel movements.
Egypt has opened a new tender for four Red Sea blocks, applying R-Factor production-sharing terms for the first time. The six-month round, managed by South Valley Egyptian Petroleum Holding, reflects Egypt’s plan to maximise its hydrocarbon resources.
Yemen’s Houthis have paused maritime attacks on Israel and lifted their blockade on Israeli ports amid a Gaza truce, easing tensions in Red Sea shipping lanes.
Egypt has opened a four-block offshore licensing round in the Red Sea, inviting bids until May 2026 under a new R-factor-based production-sharing model.
