First ultra-large container vessel completes Red Sea transit, signalling a cautious return via the Suez corridor.

The global shipping industry is watching closely as the 17,859-TEU CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin successfully transited the Red Sea en route to Asia, marking the first ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) to take that route in almost two years.

Tracking data shows the vessel paused its AIS transmission for 6 days near the Gulf of Aden before resuming transmission and continuing its voyage. This development follows sustained disruption in the region, which led most carriers to bypass the Red Sea route via the Cape of Good Hope.

While the owners describe the move as a "test" or early probe rather than a full return to traditional routing, it is nonetheless significant. Observers note that if more carriers follow suit, it could mark the beginning of a restoration of the Asia-Europe corridor via the Suez Canal.

For KC Group Shipping and our clients, this signals a potential reduction in voyage distances and repositioning flexibility, should the corridor stabilise. However, caution remains warranted, as carriers emphasise that the security and operational conditions must remain favourable before any full-scale switch.

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