Differing carrier strategies for Red Sea transits are intensifying uncertainty on Asia–Europe trade routes, driving spot rates on major lanes lower for the second straight week, Drewry reports.

Some carriers have begun cautiously reintroducing services via the Suez Canal while others are pulling back. According to Drewry’s January 22nd World Container Index update, Drewry noted that these opposing operational strategies suggest that effective shipping capacity is expected to re-enter the market gradually.

As reported by gCaptain, CMA CGM is redirecting three Asia–Europe services away from the Suez Canal and back around the Cape of Good Hope. According to a company advisory, CMA CGM cited a highly uncertain global environment as the reason for continuous monitoring of operational risks. The group has temporarily rerouted vessels operating on its FAL 1, FAL 3, and MEX services via the Cape of Good Hope.

Maersk, on the other hand, is preparing to resume scheduled services via the canal on its Middle East and India–U.S. East Coast route beginning January 26.

Meanwhile, Sea-Intelligence has assessed the potential impact of a return to the Suez Canal on global port connectivity. The consultancy found that nearly all major ports in the Red Sea and East Mediterranean were operating with significantly lower connectivity levels in Q4 2025 compared with pre‑crisis levels.

CEO Alan Murphy cautioned, “This suggests that the initial phase of Suez routing will be characterized by a chaotic rush to reintegrate these ports back into the Asia-Europe network, creating significant risk of terminal congestion, as lines reactivate these service loops.”

Source: Drewry, gCaptain, CMA CGM, Sea-Intelligence