CMA CGM Resumes Some Red Sea Transits
CMA CGM announced they will attempt to resume some Red Sea transits – on a case-by-case basis.
“The situation is being closely assessed for each vessel before each transit, routing choices therefore cannot be anticipated or communicated. Otherwise, all other vessels are rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope,” the carrier said in a statement.
Since mid-November, the Houthis have been attacking ships in and around the Red Sea, causing vessels to divert and go around the Cape of Good Hope instead of the Suez Canal. Over the weekend a ship sank after it was hit by a missile two weeks ago. Additionally, on Monday the U.S. military reported two incidents, per reports.
Port of Virginia Opens a Wider Channel for Ultra-Large Container Vessels
The Port of Virginia’s wider shipping channel is open for Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCV). This knew wider channel will allow large vessels to reduce the amount of time they spend on berth, by 15 percent – the Port said in a statement.
“Our wider channel sets the Port of Virginia apart by allowing for consistent vessel flow, increasing berth and container yard efficiencies, and further improving harbor safety,” says Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Ports Authority.
The Port is also plans to dredge it and the Norfolk Harbor to 55 feet deep and the ocean approach to 59 feet deep. Once this is complete, the Port of Virginia will have the deepest and widest channels on the U.S. East Coast.