Submarine patrol geography differed from the routes used by much Allied shipping. British convoys sometimes entered the Mediterranean, but many cargoes sailed around Africa before approaching Egypt through the Red Sea and Suez. This detour could take about five weeks. Contested sea space therefore imposed a major time and transport-capacity cost even when cargo ultimately arrived safely.
Notable Point · 51:43-52:04
Why Allied cargoes often bypassed the Mediterranean
Many British convoys accepted a roughly five-week voyage around Africa rather than force the contested Mediterranean passage.