Taiwan-based container shipping major Yang Ming Marine Transport has indicated that a return to regular sailings through the Red Sea is under consideration in coordination with its global alliance partners, but cautioned that the resumption of services on the volatile route will be gradual and dependent on sustained improvements in security conditions.
Senior executives at Yang Ming said the company continues to closely monitor the evolving geopolitical situation in the Red Sea region, where attacks on commercial vessels over the past year have forced most major liners to divert ships via the Cape of Good Hope. While recent reductions in incidents and enhanced naval patrols have encouraged early discussions within shipping alliances, the company stressed that operational decisions will prioritise crew safety, cargo security and schedule reliability.
“Any return to the Red Sea will be aligned with our alliance partners and will take some time,” Yang Ming said, adding that shipping lines require a stable and predictable environment before redeploying assets on the shorter Asia–Europe route. “We are not looking at isolated sailings but at a coordinated, sustainable resumption of services.”
Yang Ming, a member of the Premier Alliance alongside HMM and ONE, noted that alliance-wide alignment is critical to ensure network stability, port rotations and customer commitments. Even if limited transits resume, carriers may initially deploy smaller volumes or selective services to test conditions before fully restoring pre-crisis schedules.
The prolonged Red Sea disruption has significantly altered global container trade patterns, increasing transit times by up to two weeks on Asia–Europe routes and pushing up operating costs due to higher fuel consumption, additional vessels and insurance premiums. These factors have contributed to elevated freight rates and congestion at certain ports, while also tightening vessel capacity across key trade lanes.
Industry analysts say that while shipping lines are keen to normalise routes to improve efficiency and reduce costs, most remain cautious. Insurers, charterers and cargo owners also need confidence that risks have eased before supporting a full-scale return.
Yang Ming said it has adapted its network over the past year by optimising vessel deployment, adjusting schedules and strengthening communication with customers to mitigate disruption. The company added that even after a Red Sea reopening, it may take several months for schedules and supply chains to fully stabilise.
For now, the liner reiterated that diversions via the Cape of Good Hope will continue to be the primary routing for its long-haul services, with any change to be announced in advance once conditions allow for a safe and reliable transition back to the Red Sea.
