Containership Incidents Highlight Risks As Suez Returns Progress
An incident involving a Chinese-operated containership has highlighted continuing security concerns in the Red Sea, as major shipping lines progress with selected returns to the Suez Canal route.
On 7 October, the Singapore-flagged CUL Klang was reportedly fired upon by a small craft near Mocha, Yemen, while travelling north through the southern Red Sea. The crew were unharmed and the vessel continued its passage. Responsibility for the incident has not been confirmed.
The incident follows the worst week of attacks on shipping since the conflict began, adding to uncertainty for operators assessing routes through the Middle East. For container shipping, it underlines the difficult backdrop against which decisions about returning to Suez are being made.
There has nevertheless been further progress towards restoring services. Maersk’s latest AE12 routing announcement identifies Umm Qarn as the first vessel under the revised arrangement to use Suez in both directions. Its westbound departure from Tanjung Pelepas is scheduled for 27 October, with the corresponding eastbound departure from Algeciras on 5 December.
Along with other recently highlighted routings, these selected returns offer the prospect of shorter journeys compared with sailing around southern Africa, although they do not represent a complete return to normal operations across the industry.
Meanwhile, flight cancellations at Riyadh have created additional uncertainty for air connections. Fuel costs are also feeding through to inland transport, with Maersk increasing its UK and Ireland emergency fuel surcharge to 20% from 12 October.
For businesses moving goods between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, checking the routing and schedule of individual services remains important. Contact the Atlantic Pacific team to discuss freight options and plan your forthcoming shipments.
