After A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S Unsponsored ADR, another shipping giant announces its "return to the Red Sea."

After A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S Unsponsored ADR, French shipping giant CMA CGM announced its "return to the Red Sea".

On Tuesday, December 26th, according to media reports, following A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S Unsponsored ADR's claim to "return to the Red Sea", French shipping giant CMA CGM is preparing to increase the number of vessels passing through the Suez Canal.

The Suez Canal is the fastest maritime route connecting Asia and Europe and is crucial for global trade.

Previously, global trade through the Suez Canal was severely disrupted due to attacks on vessels by Houthi militants in Yemen. For safety reasons, top shipping companies including A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S Unsponsored ADR and Hapag-Lloyd suspended the use of the Red Sea route.

Some shipping companies chose to bypass the Suez Canal and take the longer route around South Africa. This route not only increases costs but also extends transportation time. Additionally, shipping companies such as CMA CGM imposed surcharges on customers due to the extra costs incurred from vessel detours.

To protect vessels passing through the Red Sea from attacks, U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin announced the establishment of a multinational joint escort force to conduct security patrols in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Based on the deployment of the U.S.-led joint escort operation and the easing of geopolitical tensions, several shipping giants are considering gradually resuming their routes, but they remain cautious in their decision-making.

In a statement, CMA CGM stated:

"We have conducted a thorough assessment of the security situation."

"We are currently planning to gradually increase the number of vessels passing through the Suez Canal. We will continue to monitor the situation and make appropriate adjustments based on security conditions."

According to the official announcement on CMA CGM's website, the company currently has 28 vessels bypassing the Cape of Good Hope, an increase from 22 vessels last week.

A spokesperson for German container shipping group Hapag-Lloyd stated on Tuesday that the company will decide on Wednesday whether to resume navigation through the Red Sea.

Due to the U.S.-led maritime security operation, A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S Unsponsored ADR is preparing to resume its shipping operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. However, A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S Unsponsored ADR has not yet responded to specific plans regarding when it will resume using the Suez Canal and what assistance it has received from the U.S.-led naval forces.

However, the security situation in the region remains tense. Mediterranean Shipping Company reported that its container ship, "United VIII," was attacked while crossing the Red Sea on Tuesday. At the same time, Houthi militants claimed to have launched missiles at the vessel, but did not specify whether they hit their target.

Furthermore, a ship sailing off the coast of Yemen reported two explosions in the Red Sea shortly after sighting two drones.

The British maritime authorities stated that the vessel is currently in contact with coalition forces, the crew is safe, and the ship is continuing its journey.