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\n\tCMA CGM’s MEDEX shipping service route. Image Credit: CMA CGM<\/p>\n
\n\tContainer shipping firm CMA CGM is testing a wider return to the Red Sea, with seven of its mainline container shipping services now routing via the Bab-el-Mandeb, according to sector specialist Alphaliner, citing vessel schedules.<\/p>\n
\n\tSchedule data shows the carrier has added three more services to the corridor, building on four loops that had continued using the route in recent weeks or only briefly diverted, it said in an emailed report on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe move signals a cautious expansion of transits through the shorter passage linking Asia and Europe.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe trial includes the Asia-Mediterranean \u2018MEX\u2019 service, where very large \u2018megamax\u2019 vessels are deployed.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe 16,020 TEU CMA CGM Jules Verne\u00a0has already completed an eastbound transit, while CMA CGM Marco Polo is set to cross the Suez Canal westbound this week.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe 23,872 TEU CMA CGM\u00a0Grand Palais\u00a0is also expected to follow on its maiden voyage.<\/p>\n
\n\tAdditional ad hoc sailings are planned on other routes.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe 8,444 TEU CMA CGM Tosca, operating on the Ocean Rise Express service, is due to transit the Red Sea en route to Rotterdam, including a call at Jeddah.<\/p>\n
\n\tMeanwhile, the 11,388 TEU CMA CGM Gemini is expected to take the shortcut on the Europe-Middle East-Indian subcontinent \u2018EPIC\u2019 service later this month.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe three additional services join the Asia\u2013Med \u2018BEX2\u2019, Med\u2013Middle East\u2013Indian subcontinent \u2018MEDEX\u2019, Far East\u2013Red Sea \u2018REX2\u2019, and Far East\u2013Middle East \u2018CIMEX1\u2019 services already using the route.<\/p>\n
\n\tSince the start of the Persian Gulf conflict, CMA CGM has remained the only major carrier to continue routing East-West mainline services through the Red Sea.<\/p>\n
\n\tMeanwhile, other major container shipping firms continue to reroute ships via the longer Cape of Good Hope route, resulting in increased bunker consumption.<\/p>\n