First Containership Returns To The Red Sea In Two Years
The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin has just become the first Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) to successfully transit the Red Sea in nearly two years.
The French carrier’s 17,859 TEU vessel is currently sailing eastbound back to Asia, having previously rounded the Cape of Good Hope on its westbound voyage.
After passing through the Suez Canal, the ship’s AIS transponder was switched off for six days – a move widely interpreted as a security precaution against potential Houthi attacks. The signal was reactivated on November 7th while the vessel was navigating the Gulf of Aden, by which time it appeared to be beyond the range of threat.
Since then, the 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.
Its sister ship, the CMA CGM Zheng He, is also reported to have completed a Red Sea transit, and additional CMA CGM vessels are believed to be following the same route – including one currently sailing from Asia to Europe.
This development signals a notable shift in carrier operations. Despite ongoing Gaza ceasefire discussions, most shipping lines have been reluctant to resume Red Sea passages since Houthi disruptions began in late 2023.
CMA CGM’s decision suggests a cautious effort to re-establish the main Asia–Europe corridor – a move being closely watched by the team at Killick Martin.
