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CMA CGM is reportedly preparing to redirect its India – US east coast service via Suez this month, reports Alphaliner in its latest Weekly Shipping Newsletter, noting that it will enable the French carrier to reinstate calls at the ports of Damietta and Jeddah, as well as at Tanger Med.
The first vessel is scheduled to depart on 13 November, and a total of 11 vessels with a capacity of 8,000–10,000 TEUs will operate on the service.
CMA CGM is the only global carrier whose vessels continue to sail in the Red Sea. In April, the operator brought its vessels back on the route on the service linking Asia with Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea ports. The service is part of Ocean Alliance’s route network but is operated exclusively by the French carrier’s vessels. Alphaliner suggests that CMA CGM has negotiated safe passage for these vessels with the Houthis in exchange for calls to the Lebanese ports of Beirut and Tripoli.