Maersk Signals Major Return to Suez Canal with Strategic Partnership Agreement

Maersk Has Commenced Phased Suez Canal Return

A.P. Moller-Maersk announced on November 25 that its container vessels will begin returning progressively to the Suez Canal starting early December 2025, marking a major step towards restoring pre-crisis traffic levels after nearly two years of disruption caused by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. A strategic partnership agreement was also signed on November 25 with Suez Canal Authority (SCA), providing a framework for renewed cooperation in multiple maritime sectors including logistics, shipyard development and container manufacturing.

Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc stressed the company had prioritized seafarer safety and collaborated closely with Egyptian authorities in identifying conditions for a safe return, reflecting confidence in improved security conditions resulting from the Sharm El-Sheikh peace agreement brokered between Egypt, United States, Qatar and Turkey as well as enhanced measures in Bab Al-Mandab strait. Clerc stated Maersk would resume navigation through Red Sea via Suez Canal as soon as conditions permit, always keeping crew safety top of mind.

Maersk recorded 1,158 transits through the Suez Canal in 2023, generating $732.5 million in revenues for its authority. Due to Houthi attacks against their vessels, however, Maersk started diverting its fleet around Cape of Good Hope beginning January 2024, lengthening voyages by 14 days and significantly raising fuel and insurance costs.

Emergence of Broader Industry Recovery Signals

Suez Canal Authority estimates revenues at $4.1 billion for 2025, with projections for an accelerated rebound starting in 2026 as normal traffic patterns return. Chairman Osama Rabie noted that Maersk's return serves as a strong signal that global carriers trusting Maersk will return in phases; economists speculate that earnings could reach pre-crisis levels or exceed them by 2027 due to ongoing works on southern sector expansion works and upgraded shipyard infrastructure.

Recent traffic statistics demonstrate early recovery momentum. In October 2025, the canal recorded 1,136 vessel transits carrying 47.1 million tons and generating $372.9 million in revenues; this was up from one thousand transits with 38.3 million tons and $300.6 million generated during October 2024. November 2025 brought further improvement when 1,156 vessel transits carrying 48.55 million tons generated $383.4 million versus one transit carrying 38.3 million tons and $300.6 million generated back then.

The SCA has initiated extensive talks with all major shipping lines to review and adjust sailing schedules. CMA CGM, in discussions with the authority, announced plans to fully resume transit through the Suez Canal and Bab El-Mandab Strait by December 2025. Clerc expressed hope that Maersk mega vessels would travel at full capacity once again through this historic waterway to restore pre-crisis volumes for transit through its waters.

Economic Impact and Strategic Significance

Suez Canal traffic disruption has had profound economic repercussions for Egypt, representing about 12 percent of global trade, with revenue declining more than 60 percent following Houthi attacks that cost close to $7 billion in lost income for 2024 alone. Major carriers returning progressively represents a major step toward economic recovery for both Egypt and global supply chain efficiency.

Maersk and the Suez Canal Authority have recently signed a strategic partnership agreement following months of technical and political consultations, creating what SCA Chairman Rabie described as an essential cornerstone for joint relations in the future. The accord opens up new avenues of collaboration beyond transit operations to further position Suez Canal for increased competitiveness in global maritime logistics operations.