Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd shift four more services to Suez Canal

Maersk A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S announced on Monday that four more of its joint container services with Hapag-Lloyd will resume sailing through the Suez Canal, shifting away from the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. The move marks the latest step in the carriers' gradual return to the waterway after nearly two years of disruption caused by Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

The four services — AE5, AE11, AE12, and ME2 — operate under the companies' Gemini Cooperation network. They join two other Gemini services, AE15 and AE19, that had already returned to Suez routing in July and August, respectively. "The Suez Canal is a vital maritime corridor between East and West and a key driver of efficient global supply chains," Maersk said in a statement.english.ahram+2

What Changes

The AE5 service connects Asia and Northern Europe, calling at ports including Qingdao, Ningbo, and Hamburg. The AE11 and AE12 services link Asia to Mediterranean ports such as Valencia, Barcelona, and La Spezia. The ME2 service connects India and Europe via Colombo, Rotterdam, and London. According to shipping data outlet PortNews, the first westbound switch on AE11 will depart Tanjung Pelepas on September 19, followed by AE5 on September 21.portnews+1

The shift back to the Suez route will compress transit times between Asian and European ports and reduce fuel consumption compared with the roughly 3,500-nautical-mile detour around southern Africa.technotime

A Cautious Return

The Gemini Cooperation launched in February 2025 with roughly 57 services and 340 vessels, but the entire network was initially routed around the Cape of Good Hope due to Red Sea security concerns. A first attempt to resume Suez transits earlier in 2026 was short-lived after hostilities between the United States and Iran escalated in late February, forcing a renewed suspension.maritime-executive+1

The current phased return began in early July when the carriers rerouted one Asia-Mediterranean-Turkey service through the canal. Both companies emphasized that any further changes depend on security conditions in the region. "Both shipping giants will continue to closely monitor security developments in the Middle East," Maersk said, adding that operations could revert to the Cape of Good Hope if regional conflicts escalate.globaltrademag+2

The Suez Canal handles about 12 percent of global trade. In fiscal year 2025/26, canal revenues rose 23 percent to $4.67 billion as vessel traffic began recovering.english.ahram