CMA CGM has again diverted its FAL 1, FAL 3 and MEX services via the Cape of Good Hope, reversing a short‑lived return to the Red Sea and Suez Canal amid renewed security concerns.

The carrier said the decision reflects the continued instability in the region and the need to safeguard vessels, crews and cargo while maintaining service continuity across its Asia–Europe and Mediterranean networks.

The FAL 1, FAL 3 and MEX services collectively cover major Asia–Europe and Asia–Mediterranean gateways, including Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Singapore, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Tanger Med, Port Klang and other ports specific to each rotation.

"In light of the complex and uncertain international context, the CMA CGM Group in constantly and closely monitoring all potential impacts on its operations," CMA CGM said.

"As a result, the CMA CGM Group has decided for time being to reroute vessels deployed on our FAL 1, FAL 3 and MEX services via the Cape of Good Hope. Situation will be reviewed regularly," the ocean carrier added.

Recent voyages on these loops had begun transiting the Suez Canal again on select backhaul legs, but the company has now reinstated the Cape routing as the default until conditions improve.

The shift is expected to extend transit times but aligns with broader industry caution as carriers reassess exposure to the Red Sea corridor.