Last week we took a closer look at how operational strategies for Suez Canal transits may (or may not) be actively unfolding from the likes of CMA CGM and Maersk. Significant under-the-radar developments continue; our analysts have confirmed another commitment from CMA CGM to regular eastbound voyages through the canal.
Ocean Alliance’s Far East – Europe MED2, otherwise known as the CMA – MEX, will see the 15,254 TEU vessel CMA CGM KIMBERLEY make the first ‘official’ or proforma passage through the Suez Canal on February 10. The new service version will complete a neat loop around Africa and through the Mediterranean after westbound transit past the Cape of Good Hope. This necessitates a one-week reduction in roundtrip time down to 98 days, along with the reduction of a vessel slot down to 14. There are no indications of a change to average vessel capacity at this time.
The MED2 is already a regular host for these eastbound passages via the CMA CGM JULES VERNE, which has received repeat spotlight in our analysis of covert operations. This time around, we’ll also see her peers executing back-to-back inducement calls preceding the official rotation changes.
eeSea by Xeneta forecasts for the upcoming eastbound calls on the MEX string include:
• CMA CGM JULES VERNE – ETA December 13 (inducement)
• APL CHANGI – ETA December 24 (inducement)
• CMA CGM GALAPAGOS – December 28 (inducement)
• CMA CGM GRACE BAY – January 10 (inducement)
• CMA CGM KIMBERLEY – February 10 (proforma)
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