Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are expanding their return to the Suez Canal, moving four more Gemini Cooperation services away from the Cape of Good Hope despite renewed security concerns in the Red Sea. The AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2 services will join AE15 and AE19 in using the Suez route in both directions.
The services connect Asia with Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Europe via the Middle East. The first westbound sailings are due to begin later this month, with Antonia Maersk on AE11 departing Tanjung Pelepas on 19 September, followed by Marchen Maersk on AE5 and Cornelia Maersk on ME2.
The move will shorten transit times and marks a further expansion of Gemini’s Suez network after years of diversions around southern Africa following Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. However, the carriers said the return remains conditional on security. Houthi activity around Yemen and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, alongside continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, has complicated the regional risk picture.
“The safety of the crew, the vessels, and customers’ cargo remains the highest priority,” Maersk said, adding that the network would be adjusted if security conditions deteriorate.