French liner CMA CGM has announced that several of its services will temporarily sail via the Cape of Good Hope.

According to a press release, vessels on the FAL 1, FAL 3 and MEX services will follow the southern route for now, with the situation subject to review.

The group stated that it is closely observing the “complex and uncertain international context” and will continue to monitor potential effects on its operations.

Other major carriers have recently outlined their own positions on Suez Canal transits. Maersk confirmed last week that the MECL service will return to the trans-Suez route.

Meanwhile, Maersk’s alliance partner Hapag-Lloyd reported that it does not intend to resume Red Sea transits “in the near future,” according to comments provided to ShippingWatch.

Similarly, liner ONE continues to avoid the Suez Canal. A spokesperson for the company stated in a written response that ONE is “aware of the industry developments,” yet has not decided to resume Suez transits.

The spokesperson explained that the carrier’s priority is the safety of crew, cargo and vessels, and that any future decision will follow an assessment of “security” and “operational feasibility.”

Analysts offered differing views on CMA CGM’s updated routing. Shipping Analyst Lars Jensen observed that CMA CGM did not cite security concerns in its statement.

He noted that the carrier has been using the Suez Canal eastbound on FAL 1 and FAL 3 since December, while westbound voyages have continued around Africa.

Jensen added that the eastbound routing may have been intended to return vessels to China more quickly ahead of the Chinese New Year.

According to Jensen, the shift to the Cape of Good Hope is likely driven by commercial considerations, including cost differences between the southern route and the Suez Canal.