Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Resume Suez Transits After 6-Month Lull

The Gemini Cooperation, the premium shipping alliance between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, has officially announced it will begin a gradual return to the Red Sea and Suez Canal region starting in mid-February.

This move marks the alliance's first use of this corridor since its inception. It also signals a significant shift for Hapag-Lloyd, which has avoided the route since early 2024 due to regional instability.

Maximum Caution Following a Period of "Calm"

The decision to return to the world's most critical trade route follows a six-month period with no confirmed attacks from Houthi forces. Despite the relative calm, both carriers emphasized that the resumption of operations is being handled with extreme caution.

In its statement, Maersk asserted: “All transits will be secured by naval assistance,”

The carrier also noted that a robust security framework is now in place. The companies warned that they are monitoring Middle East stability in real-time and will revert to longer routes around Africa should the conflict escalate.

Deploying Advanced Dual-Fuel Fleet

The service restoration will launch on the alliance's trade lane linking India with the Middle East and the Mediterranean. To lead this return, Gemini is deploying two of its most advanced dual-fuel vessels:

•    Westbound: Albert Maersk (16,592 TEU, built 2025).

•    Eastbound: Astrid Maersk (16,592 TEU, built 2024).

By utilizing these new assets, the carriers aim to combine modernized, low-emission operations with the efficiency of the Suez Canal shortcut.

Positive Signal for Global Supply Chains

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) praised the announcement, viewing it as a pivotal step toward normalizing global trade volumes. Gemini Cooperation joins other major players, such as CMA CGM, in returning to the canal, which has seen a significant drop in traffic over the past two years.

For global supply chains, this shift promises reduced transit times and fuel costs, provided the security situation remains stable.

See more:

• International Shipping and Logistics Market Update Week 6/2026 | Phaata
• MSC, Zhonggu, and SITC Ramp Up Newbuilding Orders Across Multiple Size Segments
• Panama Cracks Down on Port Concessions, China Warns of Retaliation
• Alternative Fuels Are Outpacing Legal Frameworks: The Alarming Liability 'Blind Spot'
• Maersk Reports Ocean Division Loss, Cuts 1,000 Jobs as Container 'Party' Ends
• NX China and SITC Launch Co-Branded Containers on Shanghai – Osaka Route
• SITC Increases Strong Profit and Market Share Growth in Intra-Asia Market
• International Shipping and Logistics Market Update Week 5/2026 | Phaata
• COSCO schedules: Vietnam - North America in Feb 2026
• SITC updates Vietnam-Intra Asia sailing schedules in Feb 2026
• COSCO updates Vietnam-North Europe sailing schedules in Feb 2026

Source: Phaata.com (According to Manilatimes)

► Find Better Freight Rates & Logistics Service Providers!