Maersk confirms return to Red Sea route after successful trial sailings

A.P. Moller – Maersk has announced a structural return of its MECL service to the trans-Suez route, marking the first permanent service adjustment back to the corridor since vessels were diverted around the Cape of Good Hope due to security risks in the Red Sea.

The decision follows the successful transits of the Maersk Sebarok and Maersk Denver through the Suez Canal. According to the company, the change reflects improved stability in the region and allows the MECL service to operate according to its original design, offering shorter and more efficient transit times.

The MECL service, which is operated exclusively by Maersk, connects the Middle East and India with the US East Coast. While the route change is described as structural, Maersk stressed that it will continue to closely monitor the security situation in the Middle East. Any further adjustments will depend on conditions in the Red Sea and the absence of renewed escalation in the region.

Maersk said safety remains its top priority, covering crew, vessels and customer cargo. Contingency plans remain in place should the security environment deteriorate, which could require individual sailings — or the service as a whole — to revert to the Cape of Good Hope route.

The company reiterated that the trans-Suez route is its preferred option when conditions allow. The Suez Canal, Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait corridor is described as the fastest and most efficient maritime link between East and West, as well as the most sustainable option in terms of distance and fuel consumption.

Maersk also highlighted cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority as an important factor in planning the return of the MECL service. The shipping group said continued coordination with regional partners will be essential to maintaining operational safety and providing predictability for customers.

The first westbound sailing under the revised routing will be Cornelia Maersk voyage 603W, departing Jebel Ali on 15 January 2026. The first eastbound sailing to use the trans-Suez route will be Maersk Detroit voyage 602E, departing North Charleston on 10 January 2026. All subsequent MECL sailings are planned to follow the same routing.