A.P. Moller Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd said on Monday, July 6 [1], that they will resume some sailings through the Suez Canal.
This shift marks a partial return to the primary trade artery between Asia and Europe. By moving services away from the Cape of Good Hope route, the carriers aim to reduce transit times and operational costs associated with the longer detour around Africa.
The decision involves the Gemini joint network, a collaborative effort between the Danish shipping giant and the German carrier [1], [2]. The companies said the move follows a reassessment of security risks within the Red Sea [3], [4]. While the carriers are restarting some voyages, they have not yet fully committed all services to the canal route.
For months, major shipping firms avoided the Suez Canal due to security threats, opting instead for the lengthy journey around the southern tip of Africa. This diversion increased fuel consumption and disrupted global supply chain schedules. The return to the canal is intended to stabilize Asia-Europe trade routes [3], [4].
The companies said the resumption of these specific sailings on July 6 [1]. The transition will be gradual as the Gemini network integrates these routes back into its operational schedule to ensure vessel safety, and efficiency [2].
“Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will resume some sailings through the Suez Canal.”
The partial return to the Suez Canal suggests a shift in the risk-reward calculation for global shipping conglomerates. While the Cape of Good Hope provided a safety buffer, the economic toll of extended transit times became unsustainable. This move may signal a broader trend of carriers returning to the Red Sea if security conditions remain stable, potentially lowering freight costs for goods moving between Asia and Europe.
