Two of the world’s largest container shipping companies are steering back toward one of global trade’s most important chokepoints. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have begun resuming passage through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, a corridor they abandoned after Houthi forces started attacking commercial vessels in late 2023.
The Red Sea route handles a significant share of global trade between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. When it shut down, vessels had to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa, adding weeks to transit times and billions in extra fuel and operating costs.
What’s actually happening
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced the rerouting of their joint ME11 service back through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The ME11 service connects India and the Middle East to Mediterranean ports, making it a critical artery for east-west trade.
The initial phase involves specific vessels making the passage under naval escort. The Albert Maersk has been designated for westbound transit, while the Astrid Maersk handles eastbound sailings.
