Maritimetekers

Suez Canal now accounts for 57% of the Mediterranean–Asia backhaul container routes.

Ports

A total of 57% of vessels are expected to pass through the canal in September. Sea-Intelligence analysed this trend, which is evidenced by an increasing number of carrier announcements. Based on this analysis

The normalisation of container ship routes via the Suez Canal (as opposed to the route off the coast of South Africa) is being driven by return voyages from the Mediterranean to Asia, with the share of vessels passing – or scheduled to pass – through the canal in September set to reach 57%.Sea-Intelligence analyzed to quantify a trend evidenced by an increasing number of carrier announcements, and this finding is based on this analysis.

Voyages from Asia to Europe (including Northern destinations)

Measuring the "Suez share" over the weeks from early September to early October, the firm found that for headhaul voyages from Asia to Europe (including Northern destinations), the figure will fluctuate between a low of 13% and a high of 25% — the latter being reached during the current week. Conversely, for return voyages, the range will be between 25% and 47% (compared to 18%–26% in August). Overall, considering voyages in both directions, the share will range from 17% to 31% between September and October, with the peak also occurring this week. On average, Red Sea crossings will account for 27% of the total during this time, with 73% of journeys taking the route around the Cape of Good Hope.

About backhaul routes from the Mediterranean to Asia

As previously stated – particularly with regard to backhaul routes from the Mediterranean to Asia – this figure will hit 57%, while the "Suez share" for routes from Northern Europe will be 27%.

Sea Intelligence has highlighted that shipping lines are "prioritising the repositioning of vessel capacity to Asia to address operational shortfalls caused by recent port congestion and delays at Asian hubs" by favouring return voyages, which involve routing traffic back via Suez and the Red Sea. Focusing particularly on vessels arriving from the Mediterranean, analysts say that carriers are prioritising "units that ensure the fastest return times to Asia".