Maersk Says No Fixed Date Yet for Suez Canal Return

A Maersk spokesperson has clarified that the company has not committed to a specific date for resuming transits through the Suez Canal, even though the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced that Maersk would return in early December.

In a statement, the carrier said it aims to restart sailings through the East–West corridor “as soon as conditions allow,” emphasizing that crew safety remains its highest priority. “Given the significant progress on both fronts, Maersk will take steps to resume navigation and over time normalise the transits on this route,” the company said.

The clarification followed the unveiling of a strategic partnership between Maersk and the SCA in Ismailia. After the agreement, the SCA stated that Maersk services would begin returning at the start of December. The announcement came after renewed diplomatic activity in the region and the decision by Houthi forces to halt maritime attacks in the Red Sea, a key factor in easing concerns for shipping lines after months of diversions.

According to the SCA, reintroducing Maersk vessels signals an early stage in moving back toward normal east–west container flows. Admiral Ossama Rabiee, chairman of the authority, described Maersk’s expected return as “a step in the right direction,” noting increasing ship movements through the canal in October and November as signs of improving stability.

Maersk had diverted most of its ships away from the Red Sea last year following attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. While reiterating that the Suez Canal is still its most efficient route between Asia and Europe, Maersk stopped short of confirming the SCA’s suggested timeline, stating that transits will resume only when security conditions are fully suitable.

The SCA has been offering reduced tolls for large container vessels and upgrading its service network as it seeks to restore wider use of the Red Sea route.