PARIS, Jan 20 (Reuters) – CMA CGM, a major shipping company, announced that it will change the routes of its vessels on three services away from the Suez Canal. This decision is driven by uncertainties in the world, as the company looks to limit its operations after two years of disruptions caused by attacks on ships.

Shipping companies have been considering a return to the key Asia-Europe trade route after changing their paths around southern Africa in late 2023. This change was prompted by attacks in the Red Sea from Yemeni Houthi rebels, who stated their actions were linked to the ongoing war in Gaza and the situation of Palestinians.

A ceasefire in Gaza and a decrease in Houthi attacks had raised hopes for a return to normal shipping traffic.

Initially, CMA CGM had made limited transits with naval escorts and seemed ready to expand usage of the canal route. The Marseille-based company sent two large container ships through the canal last month and was planning regular services starting in January for routes between India and the U.S.

CMA CGM DOES NOT PROVIDE DETAILS ON 'COMPLEX INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT'

However, in a notice to customers posted on its website, CMA CGM stated that it would reroute vessels on its French Asia Line 1 (FAL 1), French Asia Line 3 (FAL 3), and Mediterranean Club Express (MEX) services via the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa due to “the complex and uncertain international context.”

CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping line, did not provide further details on the global uncertainties affecting its operations.

Since December, unrest in Iran and warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump about potential U.S. intervention have raised concerns about stability in the region, although Trump has recently indicated that violence seems to be decreasing.

Maersk, the second-largest container shipping company, reported last week that it would begin crossing the Red Sea and Suez Canal for one of its services starting this month.