Mega Container Vessels Return to Suez — Strategic Win for Global Trade
Suez Canal’s strategic value is reaffirmed with the recent safe passages of two massive CMA CGM container ships — JULES VERNE and HELIUM — signaling renewed confidence in the critical waterway.
- CMA CGM JULES VERNE (396 m long, ~176,000 tonnes) successfully crossed in a southbound convoy from Singapore to Lebanon, after navigating the Red Sea and Bab alMandeb.
- CMA CGM HELIUM, on its maiden Suez transit southbound to Alexandria, also made the journey without incident (335 m, ~130,000 tonnes).
Under the leadership of Adm. Osama Rabie, the Suez Canal Authority deployed top pilots, tugs, and 24/7 monitoring to manage the safe passage of these ultralarge ships demonstrating the canal’s operational strength and readiness.
For Manta Shipping, this represents a significant opportunity: as major carriers return with their largest vessels, the Suez Canal re-emerges as a highly competitive route for high-volume, costsensitive container flows. It’s a signal to clients and partners that Manta is well-positioned to leverage this revival for faster, more efficient East–West logistics.
