Major shipping companies are planning to return to the Suez Canal after over two years of disruptions caused by security threats in the Red Sea. Since November 2023, vessels have been rerouted around Africa due to attacks on commercial ships by Yemen’s Houthi forces, linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. A ceasefire agreement in October 2025 has prompted some companies to consider resuming operations, although security remains a significant concern.
Danish shipping giant Maersk announced it will restart sailings through the Red Sea and Suez Canal this month, following successful tests with two vessels in December and January. Maersk’s first service to resume will connect the Middle East and India with the U.S. East Coast, starting January 26 from Oman’s port of Salalah.
CMA CGM, the third-largest container shipping line, plans to utilize the Suez Canal for its India-U.S. INDAMEX service beginning in January, having made limited transits when security permitted. In contrast, German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd will maintain its current operations in the Red Sea for now, indicating a gradual return to the Suez Canal over a 60-90 day transition period. Meanwhile, Norwegian firm Wallenius Wilhelmsen is still evaluating conditions before resuming sailing.
