First Full Service Loop Returns Through Suez Canal
Maersk Line has become the first major container shipping line to commit to reinstating a full service loop through the Suez Canal, following indications of improved stability in the Red Sea region.
The Danish carrier has confirmed that its Middle East–US East Coast Loop (MECL) will now transit the Suez Canal in both eastbound and westbound directions with immediate effect.
The first eastbound sailing on the restored route departed Charleston on January 10, while the first westbound voyage sailed from Jebel Ali on January 15.
This move follows a series of successful trial transits through the canal, including recent passages by Maersk Sebarok and Maersk Denver, which demonstrated the feasibility of returning to the shorter Suez route.
Maersk emphasised that it will continue to closely monitor the security situation across the Middle East. The decision to reinstate the MECL service via Suez remains dependent on sustained regional stability and the absence of further escalation in ongoing conflicts.
The company reiterated that the safety of its crews, vessels, and customers’ cargo remains its top priority. Should conditions worsen, contingency measures are in place to reroute services via the Cape of Good Hope.
The return to the Suez Canal is expected to reduce the number of vessels required to operate the MECL loop from 14 to 12 in the coming weeks. Like many container services, the service had been diverted around the Cape since early 2024, adding up to 14 days to transit times.
As the fastest and most efficient route between Asia and Europe, Maersk’s decision could signal a broader return of container services to the Suez and Red Sea corridor in both directions. The team at Killick Martin will continue to monitor developments closely.
