Major shipping companies are eyeing a return to the Suez Canal after disruptions from security threats in the Red Sea. Following a ceasefire in October 2025, Maersk plans to resume sailings, while CMA CGM will utilize the canal for its services. Hapag-Lloyd and Wallenius Wilhelmsen are evaluating their options.
Over three months have passed since the last Houthi attack on shipping in the Red Sea, but Suez Canal traffic remains 60% below pre-crisis levels. Despite a cautious return of some carriers, significant uncertainty lingers around security risks and market demand, with shipping lines grappling with financial pressures.
After nearly two years of interruptions, major shipping lines have resumed sailing through the Suez Canal, crucial for global trade. The giant LNG-powered vessel CMA CGM Jacques Saade recently navigated the route, marking significant progress. However, challenges like high insurance premiums and security threats remain, complicating the recovery.
Two CMA CGM vessels have successfully navigated the Suez Canal, indicating a potential easing of disruptions from the Gaza conflict. Since November 2023, shipping companies had been avoiding the canal due to Houthi militant attacks. With a fragile ceasefire in place, shipping operations are gradually returning to normal.
CMA CGM’s INDAMEX service will now transit the Suez Canal for voyages between India/Pakistan and the U.S. East Coast, reducing transit time to 77 days. The CMA CGM Verdi will lead this route on January 15. However, analysts caution that a full return to the Red Sea remains uncertain due to security risks.
Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues rose by 14.2% year-on-year from July to October, thanks to improved Red Sea conditions and increased traffic. In October alone, 229 ships transited the canal, the highest since the regional crisis began. The positive atmosphere post-Sharm el-Sheikh summit has encouraged carriers to resume routes.
The cruise ship Aroya, part of the Cruise Saudi initiative, recently made a significant transit of the Suez Canal, a rare feat for passenger vessels. Carrying approximately 2,300 passengers and 1,500 crew, it is set to visit Sharm El-Sheikh before concluding its journey in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Suez Canal has resumed operations for mega vessels, welcoming the CMA CGM Osiris, which has a capacity of 15,536 TEU. This historic transit marks a turning point, as the canal introduces a 15% rebate to boost traffic. The return of large ships promises to revitalize global shipping operations.
The Suez Canal Authority is offering a 15% discount on transit fees for cargo ships over 130,000 metric tons starting May 15, lasting 90 days. This decision responds to the Red Sea security crisis, following a ceasefire with the Houthi militia, amid ongoing threats toward vessels linked to Israel.
During the 14th Annual International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference, Osama Rabie, head of the Suez Canal Authority, reported that 47 ships have rerouted through the canal this month, signaling renewed stability in the Red Sea. He urged collaborative efforts to tackle security challenges impacting global supply chains.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is ready to resume full operations and welcome major shipping companies as global trade begins to flow smoothly. Chairman Osama Rabie and IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez discussed steps to ensure the smooth operation of trade routes, emphasizing stability in the region. Efforts are underway to revitalize traffic and revenue.
In 2025, container growth dynamics are set to continue, but challenges loom with India’s international relations. Despite potential hindrances, trade growth is expected, especially in Europe and the USA. MSC plans to expand services in response to increased trade, utilizing Vizhinjam as an anchor. However, port congestion and infrastructure improvements remain critical issues.
Vyron Vasileiadis, Chairman of APE owner V Group, unveiled a groundbreaking project focusing on solid waste collection from ships in waiting areas. The plan includes establishing a waste-derived fuel plant for green hydrogen production. A strategic partnership with key players in the sector highlights a holistic approach to sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
Egypt recently conducted a successful test of a new channel near the southern end of the Suez Canal. The trial run saw two ships passing through without incidents, aiming to increase the canal’s capacity by 6 to 8 ships daily. The expansion comes after a drop in revenue due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants.
The vessel Sounion is undergoing an offloading operation near the Suez Canal in Egypt, aided by the tug Aigaion Pelagos and the tanker Delta Blue. Despite previous attacks on Delta Blue, the operation is progressing smoothly, with 150,000 tonnes of oil still to be transferred.
