CMA CGM maintains Cape of Good Hope route for safety
SOUTH AFRICA – CMA CGM, a leading global shipping company, has announced that it will continue to use alternative routes transiting the Cape of Good Hope for the Asia-Europe trade.
This decision comes despite recent regional developments signaling potential stability. The company emphasized that the safety of seafarers, vessels, and cargo remains its top priority.
The announcement follows the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on January 19, which prompted Houthi rebels to declare a halt to attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, excluding Israeli-owned or -flagged ships. CMA CGM welcomed the ceasefire as a positive step.
“The ceasefire allows humanitarian relief and hope for peace. Recent developments in the region suggest progress towards greater stability, which is a positive but fragile sign for the global shipping and logistics industry,” the company said in a statement. However, it highlighted that ongoing risks still affect specific areas.
Given these conditions, CMA CGM stated that it would “prioritize alternative routes, including a significant reliance on passage via the Cape of Good Hope.”
The company added that while this approach would apply to most of its network, adjustments could be made depending on specific operational and security factors.
Other major carriers, including Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd, have also opted for the Cape of Good Hope route, reflecting widespread caution within the shipping industry.
In related news, CMA CGM has implemented an Overweight Surcharge (OWS) for dry cargo transported from the Mediterranean to East Africa.
Effective January 24, 2025, the surcharge will apply to 20-foot dry containers weighing 22 tons or more, with an amount set at USD 200 per container.
Additionally, the company announced a Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) for shipments to and from Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Starting February 1, 2025, a surcharge of USD 250 per TEU will be imposed on shipments to Walvis Bay, while a USD 100 surcharge will apply to cargo originating from the port. These measures, CMA CGM stated, reflect the ongoing operational challenges in the region.
CMA CGM emphasized its commitment to closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any updates,” the company assured its customers.
CMA CGM maintains Cape of Good Hope route for safety
SOUTH AFRICA – CMA CGM, a leading global shipping company, has announced that it will continue to use alternative routes transiting the Cape of Good Hope for the Asia-Europe trade.
This decision comes despite recent regional developments signaling potential stability. The company emphasized that the safety of seafarers, vessels, and cargo remains its top priority.
The announcement follows the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on January 19, which prompted Houthi rebels to declare a halt to attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, excluding Israeli-owned or -flagged ships. CMA CGM welcomed the ceasefire as a positive step.
“The ceasefire allows humanitarian relief and hope for peace. Recent developments in the region suggest progress towards greater stability, which is a positive but fragile sign for the global shipping and logistics industry,” the company said in a statement. However, it highlighted that ongoing risks still affect specific areas.
Given these conditions, CMA CGM stated that it would “prioritize alternative routes, including a significant reliance on passage via the Cape of Good Hope.”
The company added that while this approach would apply to most of its network, adjustments could be made depending on specific operational and security factors.
Other major carriers, including Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd, have also opted for the Cape of Good Hope route, reflecting widespread caution within the shipping industry.
In related news, CMA CGM has implemented an Overweight Surcharge (OWS) for dry cargo transported from the Mediterranean to East Africa.
Effective January 24, 2025, the surcharge will apply to 20-foot dry containers weighing 22 tons or more, with an amount set at USD 200 per container.
Additionally, the company announced a Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) for shipments to and from Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Starting February 1, 2025, a surcharge of USD 250 per TEU will be imposed on shipments to Walvis Bay, while a USD 100 surcharge will apply to cargo originating from the port. These measures, CMA CGM stated, reflect the ongoing operational challenges in the region.
CMA CGM emphasized its commitment to closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any updates,” the company assured its customers.