Maersk Begins Gradual Return to Suez on MECL Route

Danish shipping group Maersk, the world’s second-largest liner operator, has taken its first structural step toward resuming Red Sea transits by rerouting its MECL service through the Suez Canal. The move ends months of diversions around the Cape of Good Hope for the service linking the Middle East and India with the US East Coast.

The MECL loop is fully operated by Maersk and does not sit within an alliance framework. By restoring the original routing, the carrier says it can shorten transit times and reinstate what it considers the most efficient option for customers.

The initial phase of the return will see the Cornelia Maersk, an 8,650 teu vessel sailing under the Danish flag, depart from Salalah in Oman on January 26. This will be followed by the Maersk Detroit, which is scheduled to become the first eastbound ship in the service to transit the Suez Canal on February 3.

Maersk’s decision comes after two earlier trial voyages through the region by the Maersk Sebarok and the Maersk Denver. The company described the move as part of a cautious, phased strategy to reintroduce East West sailings via the Red Sea, emphasizing that progress depends on the regional security situation remaining stable.

The carrier said it continues to track developments closely and has contingency measures ready should conditions deteriorate. These plans include shifting individual MECL voyages, or the entire service, back to the Cape of Good Hope route if necessary.

Maersk has consistently stated that routing through Suez is its preferred option when circumstances permit. Compared with the Cape route, the Red Sea and Suez Canal provide the shortest and most fuel-efficient connection between East and West, improving emissions performance and schedule reliability.

The company also noted that close collaboration with the Suez Canal Authority has been key to preparations. Ongoing coordination is intended to support safe transits and maintain dependable service levels as Maersk carefully expands its presence in the corridor.