Tensions in the Red Sea region are having an ongoing impact on the international maritime landscape. Major shipping companies are constantly adjusting their routes, striving to find safe and efficient routes to earn high freight rates. According to Kuehne+Nagel, a Swiss global transport and logistics company, six of the world's eight largest shipping companies have avoided the Red Sea altogether due to the Houthi attacks in Yemen, while the other two are only sending ships through on a case-by-case basis. 
A few days ago, Maersk announced that all the company's ships will no longer pass through the Red Sea, and warned customers to be prepared for serious disruptions. It is understood that the total number of ships around Maersk will exceed 170.
The diversion of the vessel to the Cape of Good Hope is expected to increase the shipping time by about 10 days and require more fuel, resulting in increased transportation costs. According to industry estimates, each voyage will increase by about $500,000 to $1 million.
In the coming January 15, MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and other shipping companies have successively notified that they will impose peak season surcharges and surcharges due to the detour to the Cape of Good Hope.
The Mediterranean Shipping Corporation (MSC) covers routes from the Far East to the Western Mediterranean, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Adriatic and the Black Sea region, effective January 15, 2024.
These include:
Freight rates from Far East ports to the Western Mediterranean (FAK),* to $5,000 TEU, $7,100 FEU;
Freight from Far East ports to the Eastern Mediterranean, ** to $5,000 TEU, $7,200 FEU;
Freight from Far East ports to the Adriatic** to $5,150 TEU, $7,300 FEU;
Far East ports to the Black Sea freight** to $5,100 TEU, $7,300 FEU.
Maersk previously said that a 20-foot standard container shipped from China to Northern Europe would cost a total of $700 in additional fees, including $200 for TDS and $500 for PSS.
In addition, routes in other parts of its service network will be affected by the disruption of the Suez Canal, triggering an emergency surprise surcharge for a wide range of itineraries.
Although Maersk has announced that all of its vessels will no longer pass through the Red Sea, the previously announced surcharge (TDS), peak season surcharge (PSS) and emergency accident surcharge for sailing near the Gulf of Aden in the Red Sea from January 1 are still in effect.
CMA CGM also announced that from January 15, 2024, it will increase the FAK on the Asia-Mediterranean route, involving dry containers, special containers, cold containers and empty containers.
Among them, the freight rate from Asia to the Western Mediterranean route has increased by 100% from $2,000 TEU and $3,000 FEU on January 1, 2024,** to $3,500 TEU and $6,000 FEU on January 15, 2024.
Rates from Asia to the Eastern Mediterranean range from $2,100 TEU and $3,200 FEU on January 1, 2024,** to $3,600 TEU and $6,200 FEU on January 15, 2024.
A few days ago, a Hapag-Lloyd spokesman said that due to safety concerns, the company will continue to change the route of its ships to avoid the Suez Canal.
"We believe the current situation remains fraught with risks," he said. He added: "We will conduct a daily risk assessment and plan to make further decisions on January 15." ”
According to the Hapag-Lloyd announcement, from January 15, 2024, GRIs for 20-foot and 40-foot dry containerized cargo (including high cube and 40-foot non-operating reefers) from Asia to Latin America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America will be launched soon at a standard of $1,000 for all containers and will be valid until further notice.
Source: CCTV News The price increase of various shipping companies is already underway, considering that a single voyage from the Asia-Europe route will take at least a month, so the change of shipping routes will continue for at least a month;If you take into account the cargo handling and return voyages, it may last longer. For cargo owners and freight forwarders, pay attention to the continuous impact of the Red Sea situation on the shipping industry, inquire about the route schedule, shipping company dynamics, and the latest freight rate information of China-Europe trains.
Freight rate query one-click booking Source: Souhang.com.