One carrier alliance committed to returning a complete service loop back to the Suez Canal route recently, but subsequently security concerns have heightened in the region.

The MECL service, operated by the Gemini Cooperation between the Middle East the US East Coast, will be travelling through the Red Sea in both directions with immediate effect. The first eastbound sailing departed Charleston on January 10th and the first westbound departed Jebel Ali on January 15th.

The return of a complete service loop follows successful trials through the canal by a number of carriers, which has also resulted in some services being committed to travelling to Asia on their eastbound legs.

However, with Houthi rebels since implying that attacks may be back on the horizon, CMA CGM have now rerouted the export legs they were trialling away from Suez. At this point it is unclear whether Maersk will continue the MECL service through the Red Sea region.

The team at Westbound are monitoring the situation closely. Should you require further information on the above, or details of our extensive range of flexible ocean freight services, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

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