Maersk is preparing to reopen its Red Sea and Suez Canal route, with CEO Vincent Clerc confirming that the company will return “as soon as conditions allow.” Although the Suez Canal Authority announced that partial transits could begin in early December, Maersk has not committed to an exact date.
A return to this critical trade lane could influence global shipping markets, where freight rates have remained high due to months of rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope.
Maersk originally diverted its vessels in January 2024 following a Houthi attack on one of its ships. Clerc noted that recent progress in the Gaza peace process and improved security at the Bab al-Mandab strait have encouraged the company to prepare for a gradual normalisation of operations. He stressed that crew safety remains the top priority.
During a press event in Egypt, Maersk and the Suez Canal Authority signed a strategic partnership agreement. The authority also reported a 14.2% rise in canal revenues from July to October, supported by calmer conditions in the Red Sea and increased traffic.
The Sez Canal authority said it will be holding “intensive discussions” with all shipping lines to discuss amendments to sailing schedules and the timings for ships’ return to passage once again through the Red Sea.
Source: Reuters/ Maritime Executive
