Eastbound Europe-Asia Sailings Signal Shift in Red Sea Confidence

Two major members of the Ocean Alliance have begun routing selected Europe–Asia container services back through the Suez Canal and Red Sea, signaling a cautious shift away from the widespread diversions that have reshaped global shipping over the past two years.

CMA CGM and OOCL have both recently completed eastbound voyages via the Red Sea, marking the most tangible step so far toward restoring traditional Asia–Europe trade routes after repeated Houthi attacks forced carriers to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.

Although westbound sailings from Asia to Europe remain unchanged, the eastbound development is already producing operational gains. Skipping the longer southern Africa route on one leg of the rotation has reduced overall round-trip transit times by up to a week on certain services.

CMA CGM took the initial step last month, becoming the first large container carrier to resume Red Sea transits following the deterioration of regional security. That move has now been followed by confirmation that the Ocean Alliance’s NEU4 service, departing from Southampton, will once again head east to Asia through the Suez Canal.

The decision reflects growing confidence in both safety conditions and the practicality of operating through the region.

The shift comes amid a notable humanitarian breakthrough. Eleven seafarers who had been held since a July attack - an incident that killed four crew members and led to the loss of their ship - were recently freed by Houthi forces. The sailors, nationals of India and the Philippines, arrived safely in Oman last week before returning to their home countries.

Despite these developments, most container lines remain hesitant to fully reinstate Red Sea transits, citing ongoing security concerns. Still, the reintroduction of selected eastbound sailings suggests that Asia–Europe container services could gradually move closer to normal operations in the months ahead.

The Croft Cargo team will continue tracking developments and will provide further updates as conditions evolve.