Despite recent announcements from the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) indicating that Maersk would resume sailings through the canal on its Europe-Asia routes by early December, the Danish line has clarified that it has not yet set a firm date for the return.
A company spokesperson emphasised that Maersk planned to restore navigation on the East-West corridor "as soon as conditions allow".
Crew safety remains its highest priority, Maersk has said.
Earlier this year French line CMA CGA bucked the avoidance trend of Cape rerouting instead of Suez sailings by using the waterway, albeit under heavy guard.
The Houthis’ holding off on maritime vessel assaults under certain terms, such as non-Israeli affiliation and upfront commercial interest declaration, underscored a tentative return of voyages through Suez.
However, Maersk’s statement proves that, while significant progress has been made on security and diplomatic fronts, the company will take gradual steps to resume transits and normalise operations over time.
It has also since emerged that most lines will retain longer routes round the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) because of additional fleet capacity already built in. This is especially the case in terms of Mediterranean Shipping Company.
Maersk’s announcement followed the signing of a strategic partnership deal with the SCA in Ismailia, which the authority said marked a positive move towards re-establishing normal container flows through the Red Sea.
The SCA described the return of Maersk vessels as an important early milestone, noting increased traffic in recent months and declaring the move "a step in the right direction".
SCA chairman, Admiral Ossama Rabiee, highlighted the stabilising conditions following diplomatic efforts and the suspension of maritime attacks by Houthi forces in the Red Sea.
Along with lines like MSC, Maersk has rerouted much of its fleet around the CoGH in 2024 amid security concerns from attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Although the company reiterates that the Suez Canal remains the most efficient route for Asia-Europe services, it is cautious about confirming resumption timelines until safety conditions are fully assured, Asia Shipping Media reports.
