Containership Passage Hints at Renewed Confidence in Red Sea

Global shipping may have entered a new phase, as an Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) has successfully completed a Red Sea passage for the first time in nearly two years.

The 17,859-TEU CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin is currently sailing east toward Asia after transiting the Red Sea, following its earlier westbound voyage that routed around the Cape of Good Hope.

According to vessel tracking data, the ship passed through the Suez Canal before its AIS signal went dark for six days - widely interpreted as a safety measure against potential Houthi attacks. The signal reappeared on November 7th, confirming that the vessel had safely exited the high-risk zone after moving through the Gulf of Aden.

The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin has now crossed the Arabian Sea and is expected to arrive at Port Klang, Malaysia, on November 14th.

Its sister vessel, the CMA CGM Zheng He, has also completed a successful Red Sea transit, while several additional CMA CGM ships are reportedly heading toward the region, including at least one traveling westbound from Asia to Europe.

CMA CGM’s move to resume selected sailings through the Red Sea marks a significant strategic shift after months of rerouting via southern Africa. Since early 2024, most major carriers have avoided the Red Sea due to security concerns, and few anticipated a return so soon - even with ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

Whether this renewed confidence from CMA CGM will prompt other carriers to reopen the shorter Asia–Europe corridor remains uncertain.

In the meantime, Croft Cargo will be closely monitoring developments.