Maersk Line took a significant step toward normalising container shipping routes by becoming the first major carrier to fully reinstate a complete service through the Suez Canal this month, but security risks later returned.
The Danish shipping group confirmed that its Middle East–US East Coast Loop (MECL) will once again transit the Suez Canal in both directions, effective immediately. The first eastbound sailing on the restored route departed from Charleston on January 10, while the initial westbound voyage left Jebel Ali on January 15.
The decision follows a number of successful trial transits through the canal. Recent passages by vessels including Maersk Sebarok and Maersk Denver helped demonstrate that a return to the shorter Suez route was operationally feasible under current conditions.
Despite the move, Maersk has emphasised that the situation across the Middle East remains under close review. The continuation of the MECL service via Suez depends on sustained regional stability, and the company has made clear that it is prepared to adjust plans should security risks increase.
Crew safety, vessel protection and cargo security remain Maersk’s top priorities. If conditions worsen, the carrier will revert to routing ships around the Cape of Good Hope, as it has done since early 2024.
However, with Houthi rebels implying that attacks may be back on the horizon, CMA CGM have now rerouted the export legs they were trialling away from Suez. At this point it is unclear whether Maersk will continue the MECL service through the Red Sea region.
During the last quarter of 2025, volumes through the Suez Canal were 86% down on 2023 figures, but in the first week of this year, volumes were just 60% below the same period in 2023. Global Freight Services will continue to track developments closely.