Lines expected to avoid Suez for some time further

The U-Freight Group, with our comprehensive portfolio of international container shipping services for both LCL and FCL import and export cargoes, notes in various media reports that resumption of sailings through the Suez Canal will expectedly be slow.

Commentators suggest that the impending network changes by major container lines appear set to ensure the continuation of services around the Cape of Good Hope until at least the latter half of 2025.

Vespucci Maritime’s, Lars Jensen, said that the resumption of services through the Suez Canal will necessitate further network adjustments, raising doubts about whether carriers will be prepared to make such changes before August, “at least”.

He is quoted in The Loadstar saying: “Shipping lines are set to phase in their new networks over the course of February and March, which means reliability during this period will be all over the place.

“However, the moment they decide to go through the Red Sea again, they will have to change their networks. I do not see a scenario in which they are going to be happy, having done this in February, to then be required to do it again in April or May.”

Jensen speculated that even if the Red Sea crisis were resolved, the diversion of ships around the Cape would likely remain in place for another six months.

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