Gemini Cooperation to Trial the Resumption of a Service via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have agreed to launch a pilot voyage that will see one of the alliance's services resume transits through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. It marks the second attempt this year by the two carriers to restore operations on the strategic shipping corridor after prolonged disruptions caused by regional security risks.

First Trial Service Underway

The first service selected for the trial is the Asia–Mediterranean–Türkiye route.

According to Maersk, Majestic Maersk, a Danish-flagged container vessel with a capacity of approximately 19,000 TEU, will be the first ship to transit the Suez Canal and the Red Sea as part of the pilot program.

Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and the vessel's published schedule indicate that the ship has departed Malaysia and is expected to reach the Suez Canal around 24 July.

Balancing Security with Operational Efficiency

Maersk said the decision to resume the service follows a comprehensive assessment of the security situation in the Red Sea. Based on its evaluation, returning to the route currently represents the most effective option in terms of transit time, operational efficiency, and delivering a reliable service to customers.

At the same time, the carrier emphasized that it will continue to closely monitor developments in the region. Should the security situation deteriorate, Maersk is prepared to reroute individual sailings or adjust its service network by reverting vessels to the Cape of Good Hope route. The company noted that contingency plans are already in place.

A Recovery Process Marked by Repeated Setbacks

Encouraged by the Suez Canal Authority, Maersk previously conducted a series of trial transits in November and December 2025. Those voyages marked the carrier's first return to the southern Red Sea since late 2023, when several of its vessels came under attack by Houthi forces.

In January 2026, Maersk had planned to resume several standalone services through the Suez Canal. One month later, Gemini Cooperation and Hapag-Lloyd also announced plans to restore their first alliance services through the region.

However, those plans were quickly put on hold after tensions between the United States and Iran escalated in late February 2026, forcing both Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to suspend Red Sea transits once again.

A Potential Catalyst for Wider Industry Return

Maersk described the current trial as the first step in a gradual plan to restore additional services through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. However, the carrier stressed that it is still too early to provide a firm timeline for a full-scale resumption.

According to the Suez Canal Authority, Maersk completed 1,158 transits through the canal in 2023, transporting approximately 127 million tonnes of net cargo.

Although vessel traffic through the Suez Canal has begun to recover, most major container shipping lines remain cautious. At present, CMA CGM is the only major global carrier that has resumed regular liner services through the Red Sea.

The Suez Canal Authority hopes Maersk's return will create positive momentum, encouraging more shipping lines to gradually resume operations along what remains the shortest and most efficient maritime route between Asia and Europe.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Maritime Executive)

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