Eng
MSC has quietly sent seven container ships through the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandab, switching off their AIS tracking signals while crossing the most dangerous part of the route. The vessels included some of the world’s largest container ships, with capacities exceeding 24,000 TEU.
AIS normally broadcasts a vessel’s identity, position, speed and direction to nearby ships, coastal authorities and commercial tracking services. Under international maritime rules, AIS is generally expected to remain operational. However, the International Maritime Organization recognises security-related exceptions, while the ship’s master retains authority over decisions necessary to protect the vessel and crew.
The sailings suggest that the world’s largest container carrier is testing a broader return to the Red Sea, despite making no formal announcement.
MSC has not officially confirmed a permanent or service-wide return.
Container shipping consultancy Linerlytica identified at least seven eastbound MSC sailings through the corridor between late July and mid-August. The ships were deployed on several Mediterranean–China and North Europe–China services rather than a single experimental route.
MSC is not the only major carrier moving cautiously back towards the corridor. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd recently transferred a second Gemini Cooperation service to Suez.
Linerlytica estimates that Maersk has already returned more than 30% of its previously Cape-routed volumes to the trans-Suez corridor. CMA CGM has also increased its use of the canal, while Cosco has been preparing additional Red Sea operations.
For shippers, a broader return to Suez could mean shorter transit times and more available capacity. For carriers, however, it would also increase effective market capacity and could add further downward pressure to Asia–Europe freight rates, while exposing ships and crews once again to one of the world’s most dangerous maritime corridors.
Source: trans.info