Maersk takes ‘significant step forward’ with initial East-West Suez transit

Maersk has completed an initial successful transit of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea.

On 18-19 December 2025, Singapore-flagged vessel Maersk Sebarok, currently operating on Maersk’s MECL-service, transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea.

Maersk said in its customer advisory, “The safety of our crew, vessels and cargo remains of utmost importance to us, and the highest possible safety measures were applied during transit.”

It added, “While this is a significant step forward, it does not mean that we are at a point where we are considering a wider East-West network change back to the trans-Suez corridor.

“Assuming security thresholds continue to be met, we are considering continuing our stepwise approach towards gradually resuming navigation along the East-West corridor via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.” 

The carrier said the first step is this initial sailing, followed by a limited number of additional trans-Suez sailings. However, there are no sailings currently planned.

“We will continue to keep our customers updated,” Maersk said. 

Maersk has been closely monitoring developments and exploring opportunities for a safe and sustainable return to East-West Suez transit.

This comes on the back of an extension of the strategic partnership agreement between Maersk and the Suez Canal Authority, announced on 25 November 2025.

A joint statement said, “Given the significant progress on both fronts, Maersk will take steps to resume navigation along the East-West corridor via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea and over time, normalise the transits on this route. This will proceed as soon as conditions allow, with safety of our crew as the top priority."