Maersk has temporarily retreated from Red Sea sailings on two key services, citing “unforeseen constraints” in the region and renewed concerns about transit delays. The carrier confirmed on February 27 that selected voyages on its ME11 and MECL routes will be rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting the Suez Canal and Red Sea corridor.
The adjustments affect the next three eastbound and westbound sailings on the MECL service, which links Saudi Arabia and the Middle East with the U.S. East Coast. In addition, three westbound and four eastbound sailings under the Gemini Cooperation on the ME11 service – connecting India and the Middle East with the Mediterranean – will also divert around southern Africa.
Maersk said the decision followed consultations with security partners, noting that the current operating environment makes it challenging to avoid delays in the Red Sea. While the company continues to describe the Trans-Suez route as the fastest and most efficient option, it acknowledged that stability in the region remains a prerequisite for sustained operations.
The move comes just weeks after Maersk resumed limited Suez transits, including a maiden eastbound voyage for the Gemini Cooperation service. The return had been conditional on naval assistance and regional stability. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and limited escort capacity under Europe’s Operation Aspides continue to complicate passage planning for carriers.
The temporary rerouting signals that broader industry confidence in a full-scale return to the Red Sea corridor remains fragile, despite the absence of merchant ship attacks in recent months.
