COPENHAGEN, Feb 3 - Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will change the route of one of their co-operated services to transit the Red Sea and continue through the Suez Canal, Maersk said on Tuesday. The carriers said these transits will be supported by naval assistance to secure the passage.
The route adjustment marks a shift toward the traditional Asia-Europe trade corridor after both companies rerouted vessels around Africa in late 2023. Those detours were implemented in response to attacks in the Red Sea, which the Houthi movement said were intended to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
In a company statement, Maersk emphasized that "the highest possible security precautions will be undertaken, as the safety of the crew, the vessels, and the customers’ cargo remains the highest priority of both carriers." The statement framed the security measures as central to the decision to resume transits through the more direct route.
The move comes within the framework of the Gemini network, a partnership formed last year between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk. The carriers established the Gemini service with the stated aims of cutting their shipping costs and improving schedule reliability across the shared service.
Shipping industry participants had shifted to longer Africa-routed voyages after the late-2023 incidents in the Red Sea. The return of at least one shared service to the Suez route signals a measured re-opening of the vital Asia-Europe corridor, contingent on the naval security arrangements the companies have secured.
Stakeholders in freight, logistics and customers depending on timetabled deliveries will watch the implementation of these protected transits closely. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd framed the step as prioritizing protection for personnel, ships and cargo while seeking the operational and cost benefits associated with the more direct passage.
Summary
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will route one shared service through the Red Sea and Suez Canal under naval protection. The change reverses the rerouting around Africa that followed late-2023 attacks attributed by the Houthis to solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The carriers cite security as the principal concern and say the move aligns with the Gemini network's goals of cost reduction and improved schedule reliability.
Key points
- Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will transit the Red Sea and Suez Canal for one joint service, with naval protection arranged.
- The change reverses previous rerouting around Africa that followed attacks in the Red Sea in late 2023.
- The adjustment is part of the Gemini network initiative to reduce shipping costs and boost schedule reliability; sectors affected include shipping, international trade and logistics.
Risks and uncertainties
- Security risk in the Red Sea remains a concern, as recent attacks prompted earlier rerouting; this directly affects the safety of crew, vessels and cargo and has implications for maritime insurance and operational planning.
- The decision depends on continued naval assistance for secure transits; any change in available naval protection could influence routing choices and timetable reliability.