Full Service Loop Returns to Suez But Issues Remain
Maersk Line became the first major container carrier to fully restore a complete service through the Suez Canal, but security concerns have since returned.
The Danish shipping group has confirmed that its Middle East–US East Coast Loop (MECL) is once again operating via Suez in both eastbound and westbound directions. The reinstatement began with an eastbound sailing from Charleston on 10 January, followed by the first westbound departure from Jebel Ali on 15 January, effectively restoring the service to its traditional routing.
Like almost all container shipping using the canal, the MECL service had been rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope since early 2024, adding considerable time and cost to voyages. A return to Suez is expected to reduce transit times by up to two weeks and allow the loop to operate with a leaner fleet of 12 vessels instead of 14.
The decision comes after a series of trial transits that were completed safely and without disruption. Vessels including Maersk Sebarok and Maersk Denver successfully navigated the Suez route, providing Maersk with the operational confidence needed to resume regular transits through the canal rather than continuing lengthy diversions.
Despite the move, Maersk has emphasised that the regional security situation remains under close review.
However, with Houthi rebels implying that attacks may be back on the horizon, CMA CGM have now rerouted the export legs they were trialling away from Suez. At this point it is unclear whether Maersk will continue the MECL service through the Red Sea region.
While Suez Canal traffic fell sharply—down 86% in the final quarter of 2025 compared with 2023—the decline has eased to around 60% in early 2026.
Evolution Forwarding provide a complete range of international logistics solutions for general and dangerous goods movements. Please email info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244 for more information.
