In a statement from Maersk, it was stated that the resumption of voyages on the East-West corridor is planned when conditions permit, and it was emphasized that crew safety is the top priority. The company stated, “As significant progress has been made on both fronts, Maersk will take steps to restart voyages and normalize transits on this route over time.”
This statement came after the SCA and Maersk announced a strategic partnership agreement in Ismailia. In its statement, the SCA announced that Maersk services would begin returning to the canal in early December. This announcement came after the resumption of diplomatic efforts in the region and the Houthi forces’ decision to suspend maritime attacks in the Red Sea. This decision was a significant factor in alleviating the concerns of operators after months of route changes.
The SCA stated that the planned reactivation of Maersk vessels is the first step taken towards the normalization of east-west container flow. The authority’s chairman, Admiral Ossama Rabiee, described Maersk’s move as “a step in the right direction,” stating that the increased traffic in October and November is a sign that the Red Sea corridor is gaining stability.
Maersk had moved most of its fleet away from the Red Sea last year due to attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb. While the company reaffirmed that the Suez Canal is the most efficient option for the Asia-Europe route, it avoided endorsing the SCA’s timeline and stated that voyages would only resume once security conditions become fully suitable.
Following similar talks with the SCA, the French shipping company CMA CGM is also preparing for a full return next month. The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin vessel, with a capacity of 17,859 TEU, became the largest ship to pass through this waterway in the last two years. Officials said this development shows increasing confidence among operators.
The SCA is offering discounted transit fees for large container ships and strengthening its service network while working towards a broader reopening of the Red Sea passage.
