Suez Canal voyages rebound; Drewry launches Red Sea Diversion Tracker

The number of containerships transiting the Suez Canal rose to 26 in the week ending 11 January, the highest weekly total in five weeks, according to Drewry Shipping Consultants’ new Red Sea Diversion Tracker. The previous week saw only 10 transits, reflecting the post-Christmas lull.

Large carriers CMA CGM/APL and MSC sent five 8,000+ TEU ships via Suez in week 2, up from two in week 1. Smaller carriers continue to use the canal with smaller vessels. Earlier, Maersk tested the route with a 6,478 TEU ship on its US–Middle East service.

Voyages via the Cape of Good Hope also increased, jumping to 203 from 82 the previous week. Despite the rebound, Suez transits remain below pre-crisis levels of about 55 northbound and 25 southbound per week.

Philip Damas, Drewry Managing Director, said: “The return to the Suez Canal will impact capacity, freight rates, transit times, and fuel consumption. Our Red Sea Diversion Tracker provides real-time insights for thousands of stakeholders.”

Drewry will continue monitoring trends, noting that larger carriers are likely to increase Suez transits gradually to avoid congestion in European ports and minimise disruption to freight rates.

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