Maersk Prepares to Resume Red Sea Route: A Sign of ‘Normalization’ of Asia-Europe Lifeline?

Amid improving security conditions, shipping giant Maersk is preparing a phased return of its fleet to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, with limited transits expected to begin as early as December.

The world’s leading shipping line Maersk has signaled its intention to gradually resume operations through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, citing improved security conditions and progress in regional peace efforts.

CEO Vincent Clerc said the company is preparing for a phased return to the vital East-West maritime corridor “as soon as conditions allow,” with crew safety remaining the top priority.

A Step-by-Step Plan and Caution

According to the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), Maersk vessels are expected to begin conducting limited transits from early December before moving to full normal operations. However, a company spokesperson stressed that Maersk has not yet committed to a specific date for the resumption of operations.

The Danish shipping company has said it will normalize Red Sea transit in phases, adjusting operations in line with ongoing security assessments.

Clerc said the latest diplomatic developments in Gaza and improved security around the Bab al-Mandab Strait have created favorable conditions for the resumption of safe maritime operations. The comments came during a joint press conference in Egypt with SCA Chairman Osama Rabie, where the two sides also signed a new strategic partnership agreement.

Impact on Global Supply Chains

Maersk’s reopening of the Red Sea route is expected to have a wide-ranging impact on the industry. Freight rates have remained high for months as shipping lines have been forced to divert vessels around the Cape of Good Hope (Africa) to avoid attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden – an alternative that has significantly increased the time and cost of Asia-Europe services.

Maersk had previously begun diverting vessels in January 2024 after Houthi forces in Yemen targeted one of its container vessels. The group has carried out more than 100 attacks across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait in 2023 and 2024.

The Suez Canal Recovery

On the Egyptian side, the SCA recently reported a 14.2% year-on-year increase in canal revenues between July and October. The agency attributed the recovery to calmer conditions in the Red Sea following the Gaza ceasefire and an increase in transit vessels.

Source: Phaata.com (According to Maritime Gateway)