French container shipping giant CMA CGM has announced a significant routing change, diverting vessels away from the Suez Canal in favor of the longer Cape of Good Hope route. The decision reflects ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Red Sea region and could have notable implications for global supply chains.

Which Services Are Affected?

The rerouting applies to three major CMA CGM services: FAL 1, FAL 3, and MEX. These routes connect key markets between Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

In its customer advisory, CMA CGM referenced a "complex and uncertain international context" but stopped short of providing specific details. The company confirmed it will continue monitoring the situation and review its routing strategy regularly.

A Shift from Selective to Systematic Diversions

Until now, CMA CGM had been testing the waters with occasional Suez Canal transits. The mega container ship CMA CGM Jacques Saade recently passed through the canal as part of a southbound convoy. However, this latest announcement signals a more cautious, systematic approach to avoiding the strategic waterway.

How Are Other Carriers Responding?

The container shipping industry remains divided on whether to resume Suez transits. While CMA CGM has pulled back, Danish carrier Maersk recently confirmed it will return to the Suez route for its MECL service, which connects the Middle East and India with the US East Coast.

This split approach highlights the difficult balance shipping companies must strike between operational efficiency and security considerations.

Impact on Freight Rates and Transit Times

According to Drewry, the decision to use or avoid the Suez Canal is among the most important factors influencing container shipping this year. Key areas affected include capacity availability, freight rates, transit times, and fuel consumption.

For shippers and freight forwarders, these routing decisions could mean longer delivery windows and potential cost fluctuations in the months ahead.

The Bottom Line

CMA CGM's decision to reroute vessels via the Cape of Good Hope underscores the fragile state of global shipping routes. As carriers take divergent approaches to Red Sea transits, businesses should prepare for continued variability in ocean freight schedules and pricing throughout 2026.