Maersk (DP4B.DE) said it has begun a structural return of its MECL service to the trans-Suez route after two successful transits through the canal, marking the first permanent shift back from the Cape of Good Hope diversion since security conditions deteriorated in the Red Sea.
The MECL service, operated solely by Maersk, links the Middle East and India with the U.S. East Coast. By reverting to its original routing, the company expects to restore shorter and more efficient transit times for customers.
Maersk said it will continue to closely track security conditions in the region and stressed that any further adjustments will depend on sustained stability and the absence of renewed conflict. The carrier added that contingency plans remain in place should the situation worsen, allowing individual sailings or the entire service to revert to the Cape route if needed.
The group reiterated that the Suez Canal remains the fastest and most sustainable corridor between East and West and described the MECL shift as an important milestone in its gradual return to trans-Suez operations.
Maersk credited its cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority and regional partners for enabling the move while maintaining operational safety and schedule reliability.
The first westbound sailing under the new structure will be Cornelia Maersk, departing Jebel Ali on January 15, 2026, while Maersk Detroit will be the first eastbound vessel to transit Suez on January 10, with all subsequent MECL voyages following the same routing.
DP4B.DE currently trades at €1,979, or 5.81% lower on the XETRA.
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