ChokepointsAnalysis
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd resume four Suez Canal services
AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2 routes return to Red Sea corridor after Cape of Good Hope diversions.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will resume sailings through the Suez Canal on four joint container services, transitioning the AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2 routes from the Cape of Good Hope routing. The carriers announced the change on 15 September 2026, citing improved transit times for customers on the Asia-Europe trade corridor.
Four services return to trans-Suez routing#
The four services operate within the Gemini cooperation network formed by the two carriers in 2025. Maersk stated that the Suez Canal remains a vital maritime corridor between East and West and a key driver of efficient global supply chains. The transition from the Cape of Good Hope routing will reduce voyage times on the affected services. Both companies previously resumed some Mediterranean and Europe services through the canal in July and August 2026.
MSC restores westbound Indusa transits only#
MSC will partially restore Suez Canal operations on its Indusa service connecting the Indian subcontinent, the United States and Mexico. The carrier will resume Red Sea transits for westbound cargo only, with the first vessel under the revised arrangement being MSC Domna X on voyage IV637A, departing Colombo on 23 September 2026. Eastbound sailings will continue via the Cape of Good Hope. MSC said it will update booking confirmations and schedules on a case-by-case basis.
Monitoring continues with contingency plans active#
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd stated that further changes to Gemini network services depend on the absence of escalation in regional conflicts. Both carriers said they will continue monitoring the Middle East situation closely. MSC confirmed it is coordinating with relevant authorities and security partners, with contingency arrangements in place to adjust individual voyages if conditions change. All three carriers cited crew, vessel and cargo safety as their highest priority.
Suez Canal diversions began earlier this decade#
Most container carriers abandoned the Suez Canal route earlier this decade following attacks in the Red Sea, forcing vessels to take the longer Cape of Good Hope routing. The gradual return of services through the canal follows reviews of security and operational conditions in the region. The restored routes offer shorter transit times between Asia and Europe compared with the African diversion, which added significant voyage days and costs to container shipping operations.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- marinelink.comMarine LinkMaersk and Hapag-Lloyd resuming four joint services through Suez Canal on AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2 routes, announcement date 15 September 2026
- container-news.comContainer NewsMSC partially restoring Indusa service westbound through Suez Canal, first vessel MSC Domna X voyage IV637A departing Colombo 23 September 2026, eastbound continuing via Cape of Good Hope
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MENA Trade Monitor is published by Arabian Media Network. Pieces are produced by the Chokepoint Watch with AI-assisted synthesis of the cited sources and automated verification against the network's editorial policy. Every piece carries a desk rather than a reporter. Corrections are recorded on the piece and on the corrections page.
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