A gradual return to the Suez Canal route, for shorter Asia ocean freight journeys, highlights the importance of tracking shipments and having full visibility.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced that four additional Gemini Cooperation services — AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2 — will return to the canal. These connect Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, with European markets.
Using Suez instead of sailing around the Cape of Good Hope often reduces Asia–Europe journeys by up to 10–14 days, depending on the service. Two of the returning services also include direct London Gateway calls, offering potential benefits for UK importers and exporters.
Other carriers are starting to use the route too. The containership OOCL Portugal completed an eastbound canal transit last week, marking OOCL’s first returning vessel since the Red Sea crisis triggered widespread diversions.
MSC has also announced selected Suez sailings, including eastbound departures on one of its Asia services, while CMA CGM and COSCO are rumoured to be considering the route.
These moves to return to Suez come despite a security picture which remains uncertain following Houthi advances along Yemen’s western coastline near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
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