Maersk resumes MECL service via Suez Canal

Maersk announced on Thursday, July 9, that it is resuming its Middle East Container Line (MECL) service through the Suez Canal, marking a further step in the shipping giant's phased return to the vital maritime corridor after nearly three years of widespread diversions. The service, which connects the U.S. East Coast with India and the Middle East, will now transit the Red Sea, significantly cutting voyage times compared to the longer route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope.

The decision follows the successful Red Sea transit of the vessel Majestic Maersk and represents a second major service restoration by the company in recent days. Earlier in the week, Maersk and its partner Hapag-Lloyd announced their jointly operated AE15 Asia-Europe service would also resume transits through the Suez Canal. The MECL service had previously been restored in January but was rerouted back around the Cape of Good Hope in March as security concerns resurfaced.

By returning to the Suez Canal route, Maersk stated that westbound transit times will improve by an average of seven days, while eastbound voyages will be shortened by about 14 days. The first westbound sailing via the canal will be aboard...