Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Will Resume Suez Canal Routing
The shipping lines will return the AE12 service to the canal on October 27, signaling a return to traditional routes.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Transportation
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Starting October 27, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will route the AE12 Asia-Mediterranean service through the Suez Canal. This shift marks the final service in the Gemini Cooperation group to return to the route.
Why it matters
The resumption reflects a recovery in canal traffic that helps normalize global shipping timelines and logistics costs. Carriers are increasing throughput as they shift services away from longer alternative paths.
Maersk recorded 67 canal transits in September 2026, up significantly from 8 transits in September 2025. In August, the Suez Canal managed 1,358 vessel transits representing 68.3 million tons of cargo and $567.1 million in revenue.
The players
Maersk
A global integrated container logistics company that manages a massive fleet of vessels and inland logistics operations.
Hapag-Lloyd
A major international shipping line that specializes in containerized cargo transport across global trade routes.
CMA CGM
A global shipping and logistics firm that operates a significant fleet of container vessels worldwide.
The details
The AE12 service will feature a rotation including Ningbo, Shanghai, Tanjung Pelepas, the Suez Canal, Algeciras, Koper, and Rijeka. The vessel Umm Qarn will conduct the inaugural sailing for this resumed service. Each transit will remain subject to a security review under naval protection to ensure safe passage through the region.
Timeline
September 2025: Maersk completed eight Suez Canal transits.
14 September 2026: Carriers announced four service shifts to the Suez Canal.
27 October 2026: Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd resume AE12 Suez routing.
31 October 2026: ME2 service eastbound sailing leaves Port Tangier.
5 December 2026: The vessel Umm Qarn departs Algeciras.
Market Landscape
This development follows the pattern set by the 14 September 2026 Gemini Cooperation service shift announcement. The return of the AE12 service marks the final stage in the carrier group's plan to restore original transit lanes.
Operators should monitor these service updates as they indicate a reduction in transit times for Asian imports. Expect potential stabilization in shipping lead times as major carriers reintegrate the Suez Canal into standard rotations.
The takeaway
The move signals a meaningful normalization of global shipping lanes that were previously disrupted. Review current vendor freight contracts and shipping lead times to determine if recent changes require an update to your inventory planning cycles.
Further reading
For broader trends in global supply chains, see our section on Transportation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by جريدة الأهرام.
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