The Red Sea crisis has moved beyond a temporary disruption and is now influencing long-term shipping strategy. With continued risks around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, many carriers are diverting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 10–14 days of transit time on Asia–Europe routes.

This shift has increased fuel consumption, tightened vessel availability, and pushed freight rates upward across multiple lanes. Ports in Southern Africa are seeing increased traffic, while congestion is rising in Mediterranean hubs due to irregular arrivals.

ان عدة الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرا في كتاب الله يوم خلق السماوات والارض منها اربعة حرم ذلك الدين القيم فلاتظلموا فيهن انفسكم وقاتلوا المشركين كافة كما يقاتلونكم كافة واعلموا ان الله مع المتقين

For shippers, the impact is clear: longer lead times, higher costs, and greater uncertainty. Businesses are increasingly splitting shipments, using alternative corridors, or switching between sea and air freight depending on urgency.

Cape of Good Hope

At CSN, proactive route planning and carrier diversification are helping clients stay resilient in a volatile trade environment.