Suez closure need not be a “train smash”, says Drewry

However, any closure would not necessarily represent a hammer blow to the container trade, as vessel schedules could be immediately adjusted to minimise delays, with enough container ships to cope with the extra distance of sailing between Asia and Europe around the Cape of Good Hope.

Raising vessel speeds to 22 knots from the June average of 19k on Asia to Northern Europe routes, would mean transit times remain slightly longer, advises the analyst.

A 13,100 teu ship on the Asia to Europe route sailing at 19k and transiting the Suez Canal would, all being well, complete its journey in 25 days. Sailing around the Cape of Good Hope at that speed would add a week to that journey; while increasing the speed to 22k adds only three days.