Latest News

What plans do shipping companies have for the return of Suez Canal to sea?

After more than two years, major shipping companies are preparing strategies to return to the Red Sea?Canal following disruptions caused by security?risks.

Since November 2023 they have been rerouting ships?via? longer, more expensive routes around Africa, after attacks by Yemeni Houthi forces on commercial vessels, reportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war. Some companies are exploring resumption of operations after a ceasefire agreement was reached in October 2025. However, security is still a major concern. Below are the latest updates.

MAERSK, the Danish shipping company, announced on Thursday that it will resume one of its services via the Red Sea and Suez Canal this month after two vessels tested the route earlier in January and December.

Maersk announced that its weekly service connecting Middle East and India with the U.S. East Coast will be the first in the group’s staggered return to the Suez Route, starting on January 26th with a departure from Oman's Port of Salalah.

CMA CGM

According to an online schedule, the world's third largest container shipping company, which has only made a few transits through Suez when safety allowed, will begin using this passage in January for its India-U.S. service INDAMEX. The authority that operates the canal said in December that two of its vessels had sailed through the Suez Canal.

CMA CGM didn't immediately respond to Thursday's request for a comment.

HAPAG-LLOYD The German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd has said that it will not change its operations at the Red Sea until further notice. A spokesperson made this announcement on Thursday, shortly after Maersk announced it would resume sailings in the area.

The group's CEO said that in December, the return of shipping industry to the Suez Canal will be gradual. There will be a 60-90 day transition period?to adjust logistic and avoid sudden congestion.

WALLENIUS WILHELMSEN

A company spokesperson stated in December that the Norwegian car shipping group was still evaluating the situation. They will not resume their sailings until certain conditions have been met.

(source: Reuters)