Maersk has not set a firm date to resume transits through the Suez Canal, the Danish carrier confirmed on November 26, despite the Suez Canal Authority announcing an early-December return. The company cited crew safety as its top priority.
The clarification follows the extension of a strategic partnership between Maersk and the Suez Canal Authority, announced in Ismailia. The SCA said the reintroduction of Maersk ships represents a key step toward restoring east–west container flows after two years of security challenges. Rising traffic in October and November signals improving conditions after Houthi forces suspended attacks.
The SCA signaled that the return of Maersk container ships could begin next month, helping to stabilise global supply chains.
A joint statement from Maersk said it will gradually resume transits along the East–West corridor via the Suez Canal and Red Sea. The company stressed that transits will restart only when conditions fully ensure crew safety.
Maersk rerouted most of its fleet last year due to attacks near Bab el-Mandeb. Analysts said the carrier’s eventual return may release capacity and affect freight rates. French carrier CMA CGM is also preparing a full resumption of Suez transits next month, reflecting rising confidence among operators.
The SCA has offered discounted tolls for large containerships and strengthened services to encourage a broader reopening of the corridor.
