Maersk mulls a gradual network change back to the trans-Suez corridor with new sailing
Danish shipping major Maersk may gradually consider a wider East-West network change back to the trans-Suez corridor depending on security thresholds continuing to be met. At present, it moves through the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa.
The move by Maersk follows after the Singapore-flagged vessel Maersk Sebarok currently operating on Maersk’s MECL-service successfully transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea on December 18-19.
The safety of crew, vessels and cargo remains of utmost importance, and the highest possible safety measures were applied during transit. Customers with cargo on this vessel have been informed directly, the shipping line said. Whilst this is a significant step forward, it does not mean that we are at a point where we are considering a wider East-West network change back to the trans-Suez corridor, it added.
“Assuming that security thresholds continue to be met, we are considering continuing our stepwise approach towards gradually resuming navigation along the East-West corridor via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. The first step is this initial sailing, followed by a limited number of additional trans-Suez sailings. However, there are no planned sailings currently,” the line said.
In December 2023, Maersk and other shipping lines is paused all journeys through the Red Sea following a spate of attacks on vessels launched from a part of Yemen controlled by the Houthis – an Iran-backed rebel movement. This group declared its support for Hamas and targetted ships travelling to Israel via Red Sea.
Due to the diversion, ship movements between Asia and Europe, a major shipping route, was diverted via the Cape of Good hope, thus resulting in 10-15 days of delays.
Published on December 22, 2025
