by Lloyd's List

20 March 2025 (Lloyd's List) - CHINA United Lines is strengthening its networks in the Red Sea with the launch of a new regional service between Jeddah and Port Sudan.

The route is independently operated by the Chinese carrier’s owned vessel, the 599 teu Zhong Lian Shan Tou (IMO: 9360348), offering weekly sailings between the two ports, said the company in a statement.

It will feed CULines’ three Asia to Red Sea loops — REX, REX2, IMR — and handle cargo at Jeddah Port from China, Southeast Asia, India, Türkiye, the Middle East and more.

Additionally, the service will cater to demand for agricultural and industrial goods trade in Sudan and surrounding Red Sea regions.

The move comes as the risk of attacks on commercial vessels resurges in the Red Sea, following a series of retaliatory strikes between the Houthis and US forces in recent days amid renewed deadlock in Gaza peace talks.

There are concerns that the militia may become “desperate” to demonstrate force after the US airstrikes in Yemen last weekend.

That said, CULines began entering this market soon after the Red Sea crisis erupted, leveraging its position as a Chinese carrier to secure relatively safe passage and benefit from the exit of bigger rivals.

So far, none of its ships have reportedly come under Houthi attack.

Last month, CULines set up its regional headquarters for West Asia in Dubai, with functions including planning, operating and managing regional services, joint ventures and strategic investments.

It oversees CULines’ Middle East and Mediterranean services, barring those with a Chinese leg.