Maersk Restores MECL Service to Trans-Suez Route Following Successful Canal Transits

Maersk Restores MECL Service to Trans-Suez Route Following Successful Canal Transits

(IN BRIEF) Maersk has announced the first structural return of its MECL service to the trans-Suez route after successful recent canal transits. The change restores the service’s original design, improving efficiency and transit times for customers moving cargo between the Middle East, India, and the US East Coast. While safety and regional stability remain paramount, the move represents a key step in Maersk’s gradual resumption of trans-Suez sailings, supported by close cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority and regional partners.

(PRESS RELEASE) COPENHAGEN, 15-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — A.P. Moller – Maersk has decided to implement the first structural adjustment returning one of its services to the trans-Suez route, following the successful transits of the Maersk Sebarok and the Maersk Denver through the Suez Canal. The change applies to the MECL service, enabling Maersk to restore the service layout originally planned and to offer customers improved transit times between key markets.

The MECL service, which is operated exclusively by Maersk, connects the Middle East and India with the US East Coast. The return to the trans-Suez routing reflects Maersk’s objective to provide the most efficient and reliable transport solutions while conditions in the region allow for safe operations.

Maersk will continue to closely monitor the security situation in the Middle East. Any further adjustments to the MECL service will remain dependent on continued stability in the Red Sea region and the absence of escalation in regional conflicts. The safety of crews, vessels, and customer cargo remains Maersk’s highest priority. Contingency measures are in place should conditions deteriorate, including the possibility of reverting individual sailings or the broader MECL service structure back to routing via the Cape of Good Hope.

The trans-Suez passage remains Maersk’s preferred routing option whenever feasible. The Suez Canal is a critical maritime corridor linking East and West and plays a central role in enabling efficient global supply chains. Routing through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait provides the fastest, most sustainable, and most efficient connection for customers moving cargo between Asia and Europe.

The MECL service adjustment marks an important milestone in Maersk’s phased and cautious resumption of trans-Suez operations. A long-standing strategic partnership with the Suez Canal Authority has supported the planning and execution of this return, alongside continued collaboration with regional partners to ensure safe operations, stability, and predictability for customers.

The first westbound sailing under the revised MECL service will be operated by the Cornelia Maersk on voyage 603W, departing Jebel Ali on 15 January 2026. The first eastbound sailing to follow the trans-Suez route will be Maersk Detroit voyage 602E, departing North Charleston on 10 January 2026. All subsequent MECL sailings are scheduled to follow the trans-Suez routing.