Overview
- Maersk announced a structural, stepwise return of its MECL service via the Red Sea and Suez Canal after more than two years of diversions around Africa.
- The first MECL sailing under the restored routing is scheduled to depart Salalah, Oman, on January 26.
- The company recently tested the route following an October 2025 Gaza ceasefire that has eased, though not eliminated, security concerns.
- CMA CGM plans Suez transits for its INDAMEX service this month, while Hapag-Lloyd keeps its operations unchanged and Wallenius Wilhelmsen continues to assess conditions.
- Industry leaders anticipate a gradual normalization over 60–90 days to manage logistics and potential port congestion, with carriers closely monitoring Red Sea security.