Maersk and CMA CGM Mark Suez Canal Return with Strategic Partnerships that Will Shaper Red Sea Shipping

Maersk Announces Strategic Partnership Agreement to Recommence Suez Transit Services

A.P. Moller-Maersk Group and the Suez Canal Authority formalized a strategic partnership agreement on November 25, 2025, establishing the framework for the carrier's return to the critical waterway. Under the accord, Maersk-affiliated vessels will commence transits through the Suez Canal in early December 2025 as an initial phase, with full-capacity operations anticipated to follow in the near term.

Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk, highlighted the strategic value of the canal as part of its maritime operations, noting its crucial position for group. Clerc attributed their decision to improved security conditions following Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit as well as their confidence in corridor's stability. This agreement represents decades-long cooperation between these entities as well as provides an integrated framework for further collaboration in future collaboration projects.

Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Director of the Suez Canal Authority, characterized Maersk's return as a reversion toward the optimal route for global supply chain sustainability, describing the Suez Canal as the shortest, fastest, and most secure waterway linking East and West. Rabiee noted that the Peace Summit's success in promoting regional stability has created conditions for normalized traffic recovery.

CMA CGM Commits to Full Capacity December Return

CMA CGM announced plans to resume full-capacity operations through the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandab Strait beginning December 2025 following successful trial transits conducted earlier in November. CMA CGM's move indicates increased confidence in its security environment as it marks an important step toward industry recovery and progress.

The Suez Canal Authority confirmed that advanced discussions with CMA CGM resulted in the carrier's resolution to fully resume transit operations. This commitment follows the authority's proactive engagement with major shipping lines and maritime agencies to encourage trial voyages and assess operational feasibility through the Red Sea corridor.

Traffic Recovery Accelerates as Regional Stabilization Takes Hold

Suez Canal Authority reported significant increases in traffic volumes between October and November 2025, reflecting greater industry confidence in the route's security. For example, 1,136 vessels traversed the canal with 47.1 million tonnes of cargo for $372.9 million revenue during October compared with 40.4 million tonnes and $322.1 million during October 2024.

November traffic saw further evidence of its steady improvement, with 1,156 vessels carrying 48.5 million metric tonnes and generating $383.4 million in revenues, up from 1,000 vessels carrying 38.3 million tonnes and generating $300.6 million during November 2024. These numbers demonstrate year-over-year increases both in vessel movements and toll revenues - validating the authority's assessment that conditions had stabilized.

Admiral Rabiee attributes the recovery to both the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit's success in fostering regional peace and the authority's proactive measures, such as increasing communication with shipping lines, expanding service networks and adding maritime units to fleet reinforcement efforts. Furthermore, Admiral Rabiee credits flexible pricing policies including offering 15 percent toll reduction for container vessels exceeding 130,000 tonnes deadweight in order to encourage carrier participation.

Industry Gains Momentum for Broader Suez Return

The strategic agreements with Maersk and CMA CGM are expected to catalyze broader industry participation in Suez Canal transits. Admiral Rabiee indicated that the authority plans intensive discussions with all shipping lines to review and adjust sailing schedules and coordinate the timing of vessel returns through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandab Strait.

Recovery follows nearly two years in which most major container lines rerouted cargo around Cape of Good Hope due to security threats in Red Sea. Between July and October 2025, traffic through canal reached 4,405 vessels carrying 185 million tonnes, up from 4,332 vessels carrying 167.6 million tonnes during 2024's same period - showing gradual but accelerating restoration of traditional route.