Uncertainty arises over Red Sea diversions, surcharges after Maersk’s U-turn

UNCERTAINTY reigns over whether or not there will eventually be diversions from the Red Sea, and surcharges for the rerouting dropped if carriers proceed to use the usual and shorter route.

Such uncertainty arose as Maersk announced on Christmas Eve that it was preparing to allow eastbound and westbound vessels to resume transit through the Red Sea, as it is looking forward to protection from the multinational security initiative Operation Prosperity Guardian.

The world’s second-largest container shipping line said in the Dec 24 client advisory: “We are currently working on plans for the first vessels to make the transit and for this to happen as soon as operationally possible.”