A recent report by splash247 highlighted that more than 100 attacks on commercial vessels have been attributed to Houthi forces since late 2023. The tentative ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has brought cautious optimism for the maritime sector.

French ocean carrier CMA CGM has scheduled two containerships to transit the Suez Canal on their return voyage to China, The Loadstar has reported. This will be the first alliance-operated return to the Red Sea since late last year. Most carriers continue to reroute vessels around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. As for CMA CGM, its resumption of Red Sea operations could be due to support from the French navy, which is escorting its merchant fleet. The Loadstar noted that the decision is seen as an exploratory action.

The Loadstar article also reported that industry analysts do not expect container traffic to resume transits through the Suez Canal in 2026. The article said Xeneta’s Chief Analyst, Peter Sand, noted that the future of container operations in the Red Sea will depend on risk assessments by insurance providers.

Concerns remain about the durability of the ceasefire, which began on October 10. Tensions escalated again on October 28, when both sides exchanged fire and blame.

splash247 also reported that Egyptian authorities are preparing for the resumption of trade through the Suez Canal should regional conditions improve.

Source: splash247, The Loadstar