Container shipping through the Red Sea is again at the centre of conflicting signals, after Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced that “Maersk-affiliated vessels” would resume transiting in early December. However, Maersk and alliance partner Hapag-Lloyd have stressed that their flagship Gemini East–West network will not return to the Suez route at this stage.
The SCA made the statement after a meeting with AP Moller–Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc in Egypt. The authority presented the move as “a precursor to a full-capacity return” and linked the development to what it described as improving security conditions in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Maersk has not confirmed any December date.
Maersk: preparations for a return, but safety determines timing
In its own official advisory, Maersk reiterated that the Suez route remains the fastest and most efficient corridor for Asia–Europe trade. The company said it is “exploring opportunities for a safe and sustainable return” and will resume East–West Suez transits only when security conditions permit.
Following the meeting in Egypt, CEO Vincent Clerc told reporters that Maersk would “take steps to resume navigation through the Red Sea via the Suez Canal as soon as conditions allow.” He added that the company aims to “normalise transit over time”, but emphasised that crew safety remains the decisive factor.
A Maersk spokesperson told Reuters the company had set no date for resuming transits.
Gemini network: no timeline for Red Sea route
Just hours after the SCA’s announcement, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd released a joint statement addressing the Gemini network specifically. The partners clarified that any return of the Asia–Europe Gemini loops via the Red Sea is not planned at this time.
The two carriers noted that the Gemini service design has been based on routing via the Cape of Good Hope since launch, due to the prolonged security crisis in the Red Sea. While the long-term ambition remains a full return to Suez, the joint statement reaffirmed:
“We currently have no specific timing to change the Gemini East-West network to sailing through the Red Sea.”
Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen recently echoed this position, telling analysts that he does not expect a return to Suez “very soon,” despite relative calm following the Gaza ceasefire.
CMA CGM edges closer to consistent Suez transits
The Suez Canal Authority also highlighted discussions with CMA CGM, claiming the French carrier is preparing to resume full-capacity transits in December. Several CMA CGM ultra-large container vessels have already been observed using the Red Sea route with naval escorts under the EU’s Operation Aspides framework.
However, CMA CGM has not issued a public statement confirming the full December return described by the SCA. Industry analysts note that while the company appears to be testing the route at scale, a formal fleetwide transition has not been announced.
Most carriers still cautious despite escort system
Major container lines diverted traffic around the Cape of Good Hope in early 2024 after Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. Although ceasefire developments, diplomatic agreements and expanded naval escort systems have reduced attack rates, most carriers continue to consider the area high-risk.
War-risk insurance premiums, operational exposure, and the need to maintain reliable schedules built around Cape routings all contribute to the slow pace of change.
Industry analysts highlight that a partial return by individual carriers will not necessarily trigger a wholesale shift until security, insurance, and commercial incentives align.
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