Major carriers confirm a phased return to Suez-routed transportation systems.
Suez Canal Authority announced early December 2025 a strategic partnership agreement where Maersk affiliated vessels would resume transiting the canal as early December, marking a partial return. This decision came following months of talks and demonstrated gradual improvements to security conditions across Red Sea and Bab el Mandab regions, supported by recent ceasefire and de escalation measures announced at Sharm El Sheikh peace summit
Industry notices compiled between December 8-10 suggest Maersk's return is being seen as a signal for other carriers still routing around Cape of Good Hope. The Suez Canal Authority noted that Maersk put significant stock into peace agreements signed at Sharm El Sheikh and witnessed stabilisation of maritime security; and saw their new partnership agreement as key step toward reinstating it as primary East West artery.
Maersk has not provided an exact timeline for transitioning all Gemini related east/west services back onto the Red Sea corridor, however communications from Gemini Cooperation partners emphasize schedule reliability and crew safety as the top priorities. A gradual ramp up is anticipated as risk assessments confirm sustained security improvements while sailing schedules gradually become optimised for Suez networks.
CMA CGM and Suez Canal announce a full capacity restoration in December
CMA CGM has taken decisive action, officially announcing that full capacity operations through the Suez Canal will resume by December 2025 after successful trial voyages earlier in April. Large container vessels including CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin and Zheng He completed these passages without incident and have provided evidence of renewed trust in this corridor.
The Suez Canal Authority recently highlighted its ongoing discussions with CMA CGM and announced their decision to fully resume transits through both the canal and Bab el Mandab Strait during December as an important milestone in efforts to normalise traffic patterns after longstanding diversions due to the Red Sea security crisis.
CMA CGM's restoration of east west capacity via Suez is expected to reduce transit times between Europe, Asia and East Africa compared to Cape routes by shortening transit times via Suez compared to Cape routes, decreasing fuel consumption and freeing up vessel capacity. Market analysts cited in sector reports issued during December 8-10 window cautioned that full rebalancing could still take several months but recognized CMA CGM s move materially accelerated the return of mainline container traffic via Suez canal.For shippers, CMA CGM s restoration of its east west capacity via Suez is expected to shorten transit times between Europe Asia and East Africa while fuel consumption and vessel capacity restrictions are reduced or eliminated altogether compared with Cape routings; while fuel consumption costs will decrease and vessel capacity is freed up vessel capacity]. Market analysts who reported during December 8-10 window commented that full rebalancing could still take several months; yet CMA CGM s move has materially accelerated mainline container traffic onto canal.
Suez Canal Authority announces a recovery in traffic and revenue.
As Red Sea tensions ease, the Suez Canal Authority has projected increased traffic and receipts, nearly tripling its estimated 4 point 2 billion dollar projected revenue for this fiscal year due to diversions. Chairman Osama Rabie projected projected canal revenues at 8 billion dollars for 2025-2026 fiscal year[4.]
Rabie attributes the improvement of their outlook to stabilising security conditions, a flexible toll policy and expanded service offerings. During the crisis period, Rabie Credit Authority implemented targeted toll reductions such as 15 percent cuts for large container ships over 130 thousand tons as part of an incentive strategy to retain and attract tonnage despite increased regional risk. Now that major carriers are returning, these incentives appear to have enhanced the canal's competitiveness against longer alternative routes.
The authority also reports that navigation statistics for October and November 2025 indicate a promising rebound, with vessel numbers, net tonnage, revenue growth, and vessel utilization all increasing year on year. Officials expect further enhancements as Maersk, CMA CGM and other lines realign their networks around Suez Canal once again to support Egypt s foreign currency earnings while reinvigorating Suez as an international trading route.
Green Dock 3 Transit displays enhanced infrastructure and special project capability
On December 7, in an announcement closely watched by project cargo and offshore markets, the Suez Canal Authority confirmed the successful transit of Green Dock 3 as part of a southbound convoy en route from Indonesia to Turkey. This operation highlighted its capability to safely manage outsized maritime assets with complex towing arrangements thereby strengthening its value proposition for specialised industrial shipments.
Chairman Rabie took advantage of this transit to highlight recent infrastructure upgrades, noting how the New Suez Canal alignment with its straighter course and reduced curvature has become the preferred path for special operations like passing large floating structures. He also mentioned how the Southern Sector Development Project had widening the canal by 40 metres at key stretches for deep draft ships navigating tight convoy windows - creating more safety margins against risk-laden convoy windows.
Green Dock 3's successful passage through the Suez Canal has been seen as a tangible evidence that its capabilities extend beyond container and tanker traffic, into high value project cargoes and offshore infrastructure. As general traffic volumes recover and more liner services return, more complex transits like this one should become a more visible component of its service portfolio, potentially opening up additional revenue streams while strengthening strategic importance to shipyards, energy companies and heavy industry throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East.