CMA CGM launches new Levant–Red Sea Route connecting East Mediterranean Ports

MARSEILLE : French container shipping major CMA CGM launches Levant Red Sea Express to Strengthen Regional Connectivity. CMA CGM has unveiled a new regional service — the Levant Red Sea Express (LRX) — set to begin operations next month. The service aims to bolster trade links between key East Mediterranean ports and major gateways in the Red Sea, marking a strategic move by the world’s third-largest container carrier to deepen its presence in this fast-growing trade corridor.

The LRX will operate with three vessels, each offering a capacity of approximately 2,500 TEUs. The service will provide consistent and reliable sailings across a loop that includes Istanbul (Ambarli), Mersin, Iskenderun, Beirut, East Port Said, and Jeddah, before returning to Istanbul. By enhancing intra-regional connectivity, the new service is expected to support exporters and streamline cargo flows along the route.

This LRX service underscores CMA CGM’s continued investment in flexible and scalable regional offerings amid shifting cargo patterns, port congestion in key hubs, and evolving geopolitical challenges. It also aligns with broader efforts by global carriers to reinforce alternative trade corridors and improve service reliability across secondary but strategic port networks.

In a related development, the Suez Canal Authority reported the successful northbound and southbound transits of two of CMA CGM’s largest vessels: CMA CGM JULES VERNE and CMA CGM ADONIS. These transits further highlight the French carrier’s strong presence in the region and its continued reliance on the Suez Canal as a primary artery in its global routes.

The CMA CGM JULES VERNE, sailing under the Maltese flag, led the northbound convoy en route from Malta to Jeddah. Measuring 396 meters in length and 53.6 meters in beam, with a draft of 11.5 meters, the vessel was carrying a total of 180,000 tons of cargo.

Simultaneously, the CMA CGM ADONIS, also transiting the Canal under the Maltese flag, led the southbound convoy on its voyage from Singapore to Alexandria. The vessel spans 366 meters in length and 51 meters in width, with a draft of 53 feet and a total cargo load of 164,000 tons.