Maersk prepares to return to Red Sea route as security situation improves

Global shipping major Maersk has signalled its intention to gradually resume operations through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, citing improved security conditions and progress in regional peace efforts. CEO Vincent Clerc said that the company is preparing for a phased return to the East–West maritime corridor “as soon as conditions allow,” with crew safety remaining the foremost priority.

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

The anticipated reopening of Maersk’s Red Sea passage could have an industry-wide impact. Freight rates have remained elevated for months as carriers diverted ships around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope to avoid attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—an alternative that added significant time and cost to Asia–Europe services.

Maersk initially redirected its vessels in January 2024 after Houthi forces in Yemen targeted one of its container ships amid escalating attacks on commercial shipping. The group launched over 100 attacks across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait in 2023 and 2024, actions they claimed were in support of Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.

Clerc said the latest diplomatic progress in Gaza and improved security around the Bab al-Mandab Strait have created favourable conditions for restoring safe navigation. The comments came during a joint press briefing in Egypt with SCA Chairman Osama Rabie, where the two sides also signed a new strategic partnership agreement.

The SCA recently reported a 14.2% year-on-year rise in canal revenues between July and October, attributing the rebound to calmer conditions in the Red Sea following a ceasefire in Gaza and increased vessel transits.

Maersk said it will normalise passage through the Red Sea in stages, aligning operations with evolving security assessments.