Maersk Expects All Services to Return to Suez Canal by March 2027, Says Suez Canal Authority

Summary

Maersk expects all its shipping services to resume transits through the Suez Canal by March 2027, according to the Suez Canal Authority (SCA). The outlook follows discussions between the SCA and senior Maersk executives, as the carrier continues to revise its sailing schedules. However, no confirmed timeline has been announced for individual service changes, and the return remains dependent on regional security conditions.

Article

Maersk Expects Full Return to Suez Canal by March 2027

Maersk expects all its shipping services to resume transits through the Suez Canal by March 2027, according to the Suez Canal Authority (SCA). The timeline remains an expectation rather than a confirmed schedule.

The outlook emerged from a video meeting between SCA Chairman Adm. Ossama Rabiee and senior Maersk executives. Maersk COO Rabab Boulos told the SCA that all services should return to the canal by March 2027. Rabiee highlighted the Suez Canal’s cost advantages over the Cape of Good Hope route, particularly for large container ships.

Maersk-Affiliated Transits Increase in 2026

The SCA reported 276 Maersk-affiliated vessel transits between January and September 2026, compared with 146 during the same period in 2025, an increase of about 89%. Combined net tonnage rose to 23.3 million tons from 7 million tons a year earlier.

Sailing Schedules Under Review

Ahmed Hassan, Maersk’s Vice President of Operations, said the carrier is continuing to update its sailing schedules, which should enable more services to use the Suez Canal over the coming months.

Hani El-Nady, Maersk’s representative for the Middle East and North Africa, said the group is working to accelerate the return. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on future cooperation while Maersk reviews its navigation plans.

Individual Service Return Dates Remain Unclear

The SCA did not specify which services will return next or provide dates for individual route changes. The anticipated return by March 2027 remains subject to further schedule revisions and regional security conditions.

Potential Impact on Transit Times and Freight Rates

A full return to the Suez Canal by the world’s second-largest container line would shorten Asia-Europe transit times and free up vessel capacity currently absorbed by the longer Cape of Good Hope route.

The shift could also put pressure on freight rates, which have risen sharply this year amid tensions in the Middle East. However, the timing of Maersk’s full return will depend on security conditions in the region.

FAQs

When does Maersk expect all its services to return to the Suez Canal?

Maersk expects all its shipping services to resume Suez Canal transits by March 2027, according to the Suez Canal Authority. The timeline is not a confirmed schedule.

How many Maersk-affiliated transits were recorded in 2026?

The SCA reported 276 Maersk-affiliated vessel transits between January and September 2026, compared with 146 during the same period in 2025.

Why is Maersk considering a return to the Suez Canal?

The Suez Canal offers cost advantages over the Cape of Good Hope route, particularly for large container ships. Returning could shorten Asia-Europe transit times and reduce the vessel capacity required for longer voyages.

Have the dates for individual service changes been announced?

No. The SCA has not specified which services will return next or provided dates for individual route changes. The timing also depends on regional security conditions.