Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk Resume Suez Canal Route After Two Years of Disruption
Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have resumed transits through the Suez Canal after more than two years of disruption, marking an important shift in global maritime shipping as security conditions in the Red Sea show signs of easing.
According to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Berlin, on February 3, Germany’s largest container carrier Hapag-Lloyd announced it would reinstate a shipping service route passing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal after a prolonged suspension due to regional security risks.
IMX Service Linking India and the Mediterranean Restored
According to Hapag-Lloyd, the IMX service, jointly operated with Maersk, will be relaunched from mid-February.
This is a key shipping route connecting:
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India
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The Middle East
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The Mediterranean region
Vessels operating on this route will be escorted by naval forces to ensure maritime security in the Red Sea.
Prolonged Disruption Caused by Red Sea Security Crisis
From late 2023 to early 2024, many major container shipping lines suspended Suez Canal transits following attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea carried out by Houthi forces in Yemen.
The forced diversion around the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) led to:
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Sharp increases in shipping costs
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Higher CO₂ emissions
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Surging ocean freight rates
First Vessels Returning to the Suez Route
Hapag-Lloyd stated that two vessels:
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Albert Maersk
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Astrid Maersk
Will operate the first voyages returning to the Red Sea – Suez Canal corridor.
The company emphasized that:
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Crew safety is the top priority
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Customer cargo is fully protected
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The highest security measures are being implemented
Diverging Strategies Among Major Carriers
While Maersk had already redeployed its self-operated vessels back to the Red Sea, France-based CMA CGM has taken a more cautious approach.
CMA CGM decided to continue rerouting some Asia–Europe services via South Africa, citing a “complex and unstable” geopolitical environment.
Expansion Possible if Security Conditions Stabilize
Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk stated that if Middle East security conditions continue to improve, the two carriers will consider restoring additional services through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
However, contingency plans remain in place. Ships may still be diverted around the Cape of Good Hope if security risks escalate again.
Financial Markets React to Suez Return
The announcement of resuming the shorter route immediately impacted financial markets.
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Maersk shares fell sharply
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Hapag-Lloyd shares declined slightly
The reaction reflects concerns that returning to the Suez Canal could lower shipping costs, thereby putting downward pressure on global ocean freight rates.
