Maersk resumes Suez Canal routes amid global shipping concerns
Danish shipping giant Maersk's container ship.
Denmark's Maersk has announced the scheduling of numerous container vessels to traverse the Suez Canal and the Red Sea in the coming days, signalling a potential return to normalcy for global shipping firms.
The move follows a disruption in Red Sea routes, with major shipping companies, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd ceasing operations due to attacks by Yemen's Houthi militant group.
Maersk's decision has, however, led to a 5 per cent drop in its share price, sparking concerns of a potential correction in freight rates.
Maersk's share price decline has also impacted other shipping stocks, with Hapag-Lloyd witnessing a 6 per cent drop, Frontline falling by 5.3 per cent, and Hoegh Autoliners down by 3 per cent.
The market reaction reflects apprehension about the economic impact of a return to shorter routes through the Suez Canal, a move that might reverse the gains made in the past week.
On December 24, Maersk announced that it would resume Red Sea routes for both eastbound and westbound journeys, citing a US-led military operation aimed at protecting vessels from Houthi attacks.
)
American blogger Perez Hilton, covered in blood, cuts himself during livestream, hospitalized after distressing incident
)
WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Spinner Sajid Khan helps Pakistan turn screw for series-levelling win against hosts
)
22 children dead, 35 infected: India's Gujarat faces Chandipura virus outbreak — Experts explain symptoms
)
'World's most beautiful village' with only 627 people generated Rs 58 lakh in traffic fines in 2025
)
Ghajini villain Pradeep Rawat passes away at 74 after battle with cancer
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
)
Another assassination attempt? Armed man arrested at Trump's golf course ahead of presidential visit to LA
)
'Should not be bullied': CJP says movement will expand beyond protests. Politics, or something bigger?
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
‘India’s FCRA bill an attack on Christians, could hit bilateral ties,’ says US lawmaker
)
Who is Devendra Nath Mahto, Jharkhand’s 'Sonam Wangchuk' fasting for protesting students?
)
Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
Did military GPS jamming cause a plane to crash in New Mexico? Here's what a report says
)
'I believe in freedom of expression...': Shashi Tharoor clarifies on attending event where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address Gen Zs
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Why did FSSAI ban the sale of Old Monk, Antiquity Blue and other liquor brands?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Sujatha Vijayakumar? The producer defending daughter Aarti in Ravi Mohan divorce battle
)
Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's mandatory E20 petrol rollout
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
WMO warns Super El Niño is set to become monstrous between Aug-Oct - This was 'only a warm-up act'
)
Influencer killed on livestream: Mexican cartel boss' son asked dad to kill woman who broke up with him
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Trump goes 'bing bing bing' 11 times within 5 seconds at Iran war briefing
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
'Can't rip open my chest but...': On Day 11 of student protest, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren breaks silence
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
The company, however, provided limited details, and the schedule is subject to change based on contingency plans that may be developed in the coming days.
France's CMA CGM is also increasing the number of vessels using the Suez Canal, signifying a broader trend of shipping companies reassessing their routes.
Maren Maersk, among the vessels listed in the advisory,departed Tangiers on December 24. It is expected to continue via the Suez Canal, arriving in Singapore on Jan14.
Despite this, many of Maersk's vessels are still set to circumnavigate Africa.
Since December 19, Maersk has rerouted its ships around Africa through the Cape of Good Hope to avoid attacks, imposing additional fees on customers and extending transportation times.
The company introduced a $700 charge for a standard 20-foot container travelling from China to Northern Europe, consisting of a $200 transit disruption surcharge and a $500 peak season surcharge. The impact of resuming some Red Sea shipments on these surcharges remains unclear.
Meanwhile, German rival Hapag-Lloyd deems the situation too risky to use the Suez Canal, opting to reroute vessels via the Cape of Good Hope.
Continuous assessments are being made, with a review scheduled for Friday to determine the feasibility of a Suez Canal passage.
(With inputs from Reuters)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE