Cairo: Two container vessels operated by the French shipping group CMA CGM have successfully passed through the Suez Canal, raising cautious hopes that tensions affecting one of the world’s most important trade routes may be easing after months of disruption.
The ships, Jacques Saade and Adonis, sailed through the canal on Tuesday. Their movement is being closely watched by the global shipping industry, which has largely avoided the Red Sea route since late 2023 because of security threats linked to conflict in the Middle East.
Many shipping companies had diverted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid attacks on commercial ships near the Red Sea and the Bab el Mandeb strait. These longer routes increased fuel costs, delayed deliveries and added pressure on global supply chains.
The recent transit comes after a period of relative calm in the region and a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. There have been no confirmed attacks on commercial vessels in recent weeks, encouraging some operators to cautiously test the route again.
CMA CGM has indicated that it plans to include the Suez Canal in its India to United States INDAMEX service from January 2026. This would mark a gradual return to normal routing for some of its services, though a full resumption has not yet been announced.
Other major shipping companies remain careful, choosing to carry out limited test voyages while continuing to assess security conditions before making long term decisions.
Egypt has welcomed the renewed transits, as reduced traffic over the past two years significantly affected Suez Canal revenues. Officials see the return of even a small number of large vessels as a positive sign for trade and economic stability.
Maritime experts warn that while the latest developments are encouraging, the situation remains fragile. Shipping firms are expected to move slowly, balancing economic needs with safety concerns as they watch for sustained stability in the region.