An Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) has just successfully transited the Suez Canal and Red Sea for the first time in nearly two years.

The 17,859 TEU CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin has crossed the Arabian Sea and entered the Laccadive Sea near Sri Lanka, with its arrival at Port Klang, Malaysia, expected later this week.

The vessel is currently sailing eastbound back to Asia, having previously rounded the Cape of Good Hope on its westbound voyage, and its sister ship – the CMA CGM Zheng He – has also now traversed the Red Sea.

After passing through the Suez Canal, the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin switched off its AIS transponder for six days, as a precaution against Houthi attacks, and its signal was reactivated on November 7th.

By that time, the the vessel had safely navigated the Gulf of Aden and was deemed to be beyond the range of threat. Further CMA CGM vessels are reportedly heading towards the Red Sea – including one on the westbound journey from Asia to Europe.

The move from the French carrier has come as a surprise to many. Despite ongoing diplomatic discussions continuing, carriers had been indicating that a return to Red Sea passages would not be happening any time soon, due to a reluctance to risk assets and crew while the Gaza ceasefire remained fragile.

However, it appears that the Ocean Alliance carrier has steamed ahead to quite literally test the waters. Westbound is very closely monitoring for further developments.

If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.