French shipping company CMA CGM has rerouted three of its services between China, Europe and the UK back via the Cape of Good Hope.

IMAGE: CMA CGM's French Asia Line 3 route between Ningbo and Le Havre. CMA CGM

CMA CGM cited a “complex and uncertain international context” as it signalled caution over the Middle East geopolitical situation, reverting the services to the longer route around the Cape.

The rerouted services include French Asia Line 1 between Ningbo and Southampton, French Asia Line 3 between Ningbo and Le Havre and the Mediterranean Club Express service between Qingdao and Valencia.

The move comes just days after CMA CGM and Maersk announced gradual returns to the Suez route, which had fuelled optimism around a broader shift back to the shorter passage for container liners.

In addition, Egypt’s Ain Sokhna port authority recently launched the Red Sea Container Terminal in partnership with CMA CGM, with a vessel operated by the French carrier marking the port’s first call.

The Suez Canal Authority has also extended a 15% transit fee rebate for container ships until 30 June 2026, as part of efforts to attract container traffic back to the canal.

By Konica Bhatt

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