Maersk accelerates plans to restore Suez Canal services
Maersk is working to accelerate the return of its shipping services to the Suez Canal, with the group’s management expressing expectations that all its services could resume transits through the waterway by March 2027.
The development emerged during discussions between the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and senior Maersk executives on 20 October, focusing on future navigation schedules and the expansion of cooperation between the two sides.
According to the SCA, Maersk-affiliated vessels completed 276 transits through the canal between January and September 2026, compared with 146 during the corresponding period of 2025. Their combined net tonnage increased to 23.3 million tons from 7 million tons a year earlier.
The figures represent an approximately 89% increase in the number of transits, reflecting a growing use of the Suez Canal by vessels associated with the Danish shipping group.
Maersk reviews schedules for further Suez transits
The discussions involved SCA Chairman and Managing Director Admiral Ossama Rabiee and Maersk representatives, including Chief Operating Officer Rabab Boulos, Vice President of Operations Ahmed Hassan and Middle East and North Africa representative Hani El-Nady.
During the meeting, Boulos expressed the expectation that all Maersk shipping services could return to the Suez Canal by March 2027, according to the authority’s statement.
Hassan confirmed that the group continues to update its navigation schedules, allowing additional services to use the canal in the coming period. El-Nady also indicated that Maersk is working to accelerate the process.
However, the announcement did not identify specific services scheduled to return or provide confirmed implementation dates for individual routes.
The March 2027 timeframe therefore represents an expectation communicated during the discussions rather than a formally announced network-wide operational schedule.
Suez Canal Authority highlights growing traffic
Rabiee welcomed the increase in Maersk-affiliated transits and highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the shipping group and the Suez Canal Authority.
He also pointed to the impact of geopolitical developments, fuel prices and freight rates on shipping route decisions, emphasising the potential cost advantages of using the Suez Canal compared with sailing around the Cape of Good Hope.
The reported increase in transits comes as Maersk continues adjusting its navigation plans and assessing the use of the waterway across its shipping services.
Both sides agreed to continue bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and supporting further vessel transits.
While the latest figures indicate a substantial recovery in Maersk-affiliated traffic through the canal, the timing and extent of any additional service returns will depend on the group’s subsequent operational decisions.
