The Suez Canal is experiencing an unprecedented transformation as major shipping lines prepare to resume transits disrupted by Red Sea tensions, driven by recent security advances that will restore efficiency to global supply chains.
Maersk Group Announces Strategic Partnership Agreement with Suez Canal Authority
Maersk Group and the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) have reached an agreement to resume transits of vessels through the canal beginning early December 2025. Maersk-affiliated vessels will begin making returns this month as a precursor to full capacity operations within months.
Adm. Rabiee, Chairman of the SCA, celebrated the agreement as an essential step toward optimal global supply chain sustainability, noting its significance as one of the shortest, fastest and most secure East-West links. A.P. Moller-Maersk CEO A.P. Moller-Maersk noted its longstanding significance and expressed hope for mega-vessel transits at full capacity soon.
Gemini Alliances' decision aligns with their monitoring efforts alongside Hapag-Lloyd. Since their debut in February 2025 with a Cape of Good Hope network due to disruptions, this alliance prioritizes crew, vessel, and cargo safety while planning for expansion into Suez as soon as conditions permit.
CMA CGM Regains Full Capacity Operations
CMA CGM's plans to restore full capacity Suez Canal operations by December 2025 is supported by successful trial transits by CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin - one of two largest vessels to pass in two years - and CMA CGM Zheng He. Both transited, increasing trust in the routes security.
SCA and CMA CGM advanced discussions have resulted in plans for complete resumption through the Suez and Bab el-Mandab Straits this month, including backhaul legs with lighter cargo as trials for security purposes.
Industry analysts like Xenetas Peter Sand see CMA's return of INDAMEX routes starting 2026 as an encouraging sign, shortening loop times to just 77 days from Cape routes and cutting turnaround times down by almost one week compared to their peak pre-crisis levels in October 2023 (553) which suggests only incremental scale-up over time. However, November 2025 only witnessed 120 containership transits while there had been 583 pre-crisis (October 2023) thus underscoring gradual scaling-up over time.
Context of Security and Recovery
Progress stems from the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, Gaza ceasefire advancements, and Houthi pledges to stop attacks in Red Sea regions, all contributing to stability. SCA reported November 2025 traffic as 1,156 vessels with 48.5 million tons net tonnage and $383.4 million revenues, representing an increase from last years figures.
However, difficulties remain. Carriers conduct ongoing risk analyses of Houthi intent; incidents like their firing at approaching skiffs near Bab al-Mandeb on December 5 has raised caution levels among them. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd anticipate a gradual return with coordinated steps so as to minimize disruptions.
SCA proactive measures include flexible pricing, such as 15
Global Trade Implications
These developments could significantly decrease Europe-East Africa transit times and improve trade efficiency, making the region more trade efficient than before the financial crisis. While full normalization will require sustained security and scheduling adjustments to restore pre-crisis volumes, these advances represent a promising step toward normality.
Freightways Global and others note that although some lines lack firm dates, reduced risks encourage gradual returns, with real-time updates aiding customer planning across corridors.