Maersk and Suez Canal Authority Join Force in Strategic Alliance; Key Carriers to Restart Red Sea Operations

Maersk and SCA Forge Enter Strategic Partnership Agreement

On November 25, 2025, The Suez Canal Authority and A.P. Moller-Maersk Group signed a strategic partnership agreement that represents an important step toward global shipping routes' recovery. Under this accord, Maersk-affiliated vessels will begin transits through the Suez Canal as early December 2025 - as an initial step to full capacity operations soon after - setting in motion an integrated framework for future collaboration between these entities.

Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, stressed the strategic significance of this route by emphasizing its significance for Maersk maritime operations. Clerc expressed confidence in Sharm El Sheikh peace agreement and subsequent global momentum toward de-escalation as key factors that enabled their decision to recommence shipping between East and West via Suez Canal. He highlighted this waterway as providing efficient trade connectivity.

Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, saw Maersk vessels' return as an indicator that global supply chains will return to optimal sustainability; describing it as the fastest, safest waterway connecting East and West. In particular, Rabiee noted how the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit was instrumental in creating stability in Red Sea and Bab El-Mandab regions thus clearing the path for normal traffic rates to resume again.

CMA CGM Confirms Full Capacity December Return

CMA CGM's decision to resume operations through the Suez Canal and Bab El-Mandab Strait from December 2025 onward demonstrates a growing confidence in security conditions as well as its support of the region's stabilization efforts.

Rabiee reported that discussions with CMA CGM led to their resolution to resume full transit operations through both the Suez Canal and Bab El-Mandab Strait. As SCA chairman he stated that further intensive talks will occur among shipping lines to determine their schedules and return times to Red Sea route.

Traffic Recovery Accelerates; Incentive Programs Are Extended

The Suez Canal Authority reported continued momentum in traffic recovery, with November 2025 recording 1,156 vessels carrying 48.5 million metric tonnes and generating $383.4 million in revenues compared with 1,000 vessels, 38.3 million tonnes, and $300.6 million generated during November 2024. October 2025 also demonstrated this upward trend by transiting 1,136 vessels carrying 47.1% more metric tonnes at $372.9 million than its respective month in 2024 which reported 44% more tonnes and $302.6 million revenues respectively.

Suez Canal Authority has implemented flexible pricing policies in order to facilitate the return of major container carriers, including offering reduced toll rates for vessels exceeding 130,000 tonnes deadweight, including offering a 15 percent toll reduction for container ships exceeding this weight category. They extended this incentive until March 2026 demonstrating their dedication towards drawing shipping lines back onto the route. Since the Red Sea crisis broke out, SCA has taken proactive steps such as increasing service networks, diversifying offerings and adding maritime units that support carrier operations.