CMA CGM Reroutes Atlantic Fleet to Safer Areas as Severe Storms Hit European and North African Waters

French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM has temporarily diverted several of its Atlantic-trading vessels to designated safe zones as severe storms disrupt navigation across parts of the European and North African coastline. The precautionary move follows exceptional weather conditions affecting waters off France, Spain and Morocco, with particularly hazardous conditions reported in the Bay of Biscay.

The company confirmed that ships operating along the corridor from southern Morocco to the approaches of the English Channel have been instructed to hold position in safer areas, including the Seine Bay and waters near Gibraltar. The decision is aimed at protecting seafarers, vessels and cargo while weather conditions remain unstable.

Adverse weather across Europe is also impacting wider shipping operations, with rival container lines Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd issuing alerts over potential delays to cargo movements this week due to storms and snowfall. The disruptions highlight the growing operational challenges facing maritime transport during periods of extreme weather in the North Atlantic and European regions.