First Mega-Ship Crosses Red Sea Since Houthi Attacks Began

The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin has just made history as the first Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) to successfully transit the Red Sea in almost two years.

The French carrier’s 17,859 TEU ship is currently en route back to Asia on its eastbound journey, after previously rounding the Cape of Good Hope on its westbound leg.

Following its passage through the Suez Canal, the vessel switched off its AIS transponder for six days, a move widely seen as a precaution against potential Houthi attacks. It reactivated the signal on November 7th while passing the Gulf of Aden, by which point it appeared to be beyond the range of threat.

The vessel has since crossed the Arabian Sea and entered the Laccadive Sea near Sri Lanka, with arrival at Port Klang, Malaysia expected later this week.

Its sister ship, the CMA CGM Zheng He, is also now reported to have transited the Red Sea and further CMA CGM vessels are understood to be following suit – including one sailing from Asia to Europe.

The move marks a surprising development in carrier dynamics. Although Gaza ceasefire discussions continue, carriers had remained very hesitant to resume Red Sea routes disrupted by Houthi attacks since late 2023.

However, CMA CGM are clearly testing the waters to reopen this vital Asia–Europe corridor and the team at Atlantic Pacific is monitoring these developments with keen interest.