Two CMA CGM container ships, the CMA CGM Pegasus and CMA CGM George Washington, cautiously sailed through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait under French naval escort in late 2024. This marked a tentative step toward resuming transit in the volatile Red Sea-a corridor critical for Asia-Europe trade. While competitors like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd maintained mass diversions around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, CMA CGM signaled a different tactic: "testing the waters" for a phased return to the Suez Canal route5.
Why the Red Sea Still Makes Waves
The Red Sea crisis erupted when Houthi attacks threatened commercial vessels, forcing major carriers to halt Suez transits. Even as U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) launched patrols, risks persisted. Maersk planned "dozens" of Suez transits but kept most ships diverted, while Hapag-Lloyd bluntly stated the area remained "too dangerous"5. CMA CGM's approach stood out:
- Escorted transits: Leveraging French naval support for select voyages5.
- Incremental scaling: Publicly committing to "gradually increase the number of vessels" transiting Suez while continuously monitoring threats5.
- Contingency-ready: Explicitly reserving the right to "re-evaluate and adjust" plans if security deteriorates5.
This isn't just about avoiding missiles-it's about balancing reliability, costs, and customer trust. Every rerouting via Africa adds 10-14 days and ~$1M in fuel per voyage. For CMA CGM, a partial Suez revival could mean competitive transit times and stabilized rates.
Beyond Crisis: Fueling Resilience with Fleet & Green Tech
CMA CGM's Suez tactics align with deeper strategic bets:
- Building giants for stability: In June 2025, it took delivery of the 24,000 TEU CMA CGM SAINT GERMAIN-the world's largest LNG dual-fuel vessel. With a 18,600 cbm LNG tank enabling near 20,000-nautical-mile range, such ships offer flexibility amid volatile corridors. Crucially, they slash sulfur/particulate emissions by 99%-future-proofing against regulations like EU ETS4.
- Owning strategic infrastructure: The group's €40M investment to operate Lyon's Edouard Herriot Port for 30 years expands its control over Europe's Rhône-Saône river axis. By doubling barge traffic by 2032 and linking Marseille-Fos to inland hubs, CMA CGM reduces overland trucking and Suez dependency3.
- Pioneering green corridors: As a key partner in the Rotterdam-Singapore Green & Digital Corridor, CMA CGM trialed ship bunkering with 100 tons of waste-based Liquefied Bio-Methane (LBM). End-to-end certification (aligned with FuelEU Maritime) positions it to meet tightening carbon rules and customer ESG demands2.
The "Testing the Waters" Playbook: What Comes Next
CMA CGM's Suez strategy isn't reckless-it's data-driven pragmatism. Expect:
- Selective transits: Prioritizing French-navy-escorted voyages or less sensitive cargoes initially.
- Tech-driven monitoring: Using IoT/AIS tools for real-time threat assessment, possibly shared via the Singapore-Rotterdam digital corridor framework2.
- Modal backups: Promoting rail (like China-Europe rail, surging amid the crisis) and river-sea integrations to hedge against disruptions53.
For shippers, this signals guarded optimism. Partial Suez reopenings could ease capacity crunches and spot rates-but security remains the top priority. Diversification (LNG ships, inland ports, green fuels) lets CMA CGM navigate uncertainty where rivals stall.
Key Takeaways for Your Supply Chain
- Monitor French-escorted voyages: Early resumptions likely involve state-protected transits.
- Factor in LNG/biofuel premiums: CMA CGM's fleet investments may translate into green service offerings-costlier but ETS-proof.
- Inland/river hubs matter: Lyon's expansion exemplifies how port investments bypass congested coasts.
- Stay flexible: Rail and regional feeders remain vital backups while Red Sea instability persists.
- Strategic patience defines CMA CGM's Suez calculus: move early, but only when the gunsights are covered.
- Relevant Keyterms from this article: Suez Canal, Red Sea shipping, CMA CGM, container shipping, supply chain resilience, LNG vessels, green corridors, maritime security, shipping alternatives, French naval escort.
