Carrier Updates on Suez and Red Sea Routings

We have received several notices indicating that selected ocean services are returning to the Suez Canal and Red Sea route. This is a gradual, service-specific change rather than a complete return across all carriers and trade lanes.

Carrier notices received

• CMA CGM and MSC: The NEMO service between Europe and Oceania is resuming transit through the Suez Canal. The APL COLUMBUS was identified as the first southbound vessel operating under the revised routing.
• OOCL and COSCO: Notices indicate that selected services are also resuming Suez transits. The change does not currently apply to every service operated by these carriers.
• Maersk: Information received through an industry notice indicates that selected Maersk services are returning to the Suez route. Customers should confirm the routing of their specific booking because the change is not network-wide.
• Other carriers: Further information is still being sought from carriers including Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Hapag-Lloyd, as well as additional updates from MSC.

What this may mean for customers

Services returning to the Suez route may benefit from shorter transit times between Europe and Australia or New Zealand compared with voyages routed around the Cape of Good Hope.

However, the expected route may differ by carrier, service, vessel and sailing date. Shipping lines may also revise routings after booking in response to security assessments and operational conditions.

Surcharges and insurance costs

Emergency surcharges, including Emergency Management Surcharges where applicable, currently remain in place because of elevated carrier insurance costs. These charges have not automatically been withdrawn because selected services are returning to the Suez route. KLN Oceania will advise affected customers if carriers amend or withdraw their surcharges.

Carrier surcharges are separate from cargo insurance and do not provide insurance protection for customers’ goods. We recommend that customers review their cargo insurance arrangements with their insurer or broker, including:

• Geographic and route-specific coverage.
• War-risk, strikes and related exclusions.
• Notification requirements following a routing change.
• Policy limits, excesses and deductibles.
• Whether additional or shipment-specific cover is required.

KLN Oceania can assist with shipment routing information and arrange a standalone cargo insurance quotation where required.

Feel free to contact your KLN Oceania representative if you have cargo currently booked or planned through the region, or would like to enquire around our Cargo Insurance solutions.