Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will begin routing one of their jointly operated container services through the Suez Canal, marking their first return to the waterway since attacks in the Red Sea forced most major carriers to divert ships around southern Africa.
The companies said the change applies to a single service in their Gemini Cooperation network and shows the improving security conditions in the region. Other services will continue operating on their current routes while the carriers monitor the situation.
The announcement marks a cautious step rather than a major return to the canal. Since late 2023, most container lines have avoided the Red Sea due to attacks on commercial vessels, routing ships around the Cape of Good Hope instead. The longer route added transit time and increased shipping costs on Asia-Europe trade lanes.
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