The Ocean Alliance has revised the rotation of its FAL1 Europe–Far East service by reinstating eastbound voyage passages through the Suez Canal and Red Sea, marking a significant shift back toward traditional routing after extended diversions around Africa.
Operated within the alliance by CMA CGM, COSCO/OOCL and Evergreen, the FAL1 service will now resume eastbound Suez transit on its return journey from Europe to Asia. This adjustment is expected to cut transit times by around a week and improve operational efficiency compared with the longer alternative via the Cape of Good Hope.
Industry analysts note this move reflects growing confidence among carriers in regional security and operational conditions, even as westbound legs via Suez remain more cautious . The change could enhance competitiveness and schedule reliability for shippers on the key east-west trade lane.