Maersk container vessels are set to resume transit through the Suez Canal next month, ahead of a full return, following bilateral discussions that culminated in the signing of a strategic partnership agreement, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and A.P. Moller-Maersk Group announced today.
The signing ceremony took place at the New Marina building in Ismailia, attended by SCA Chairman Vice Admiral Osama Rabie and Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk. The agreement formalises decades of collaboration and establishes a comprehensive framework for future joint initiatives.
Vice Admiral Rabie described the return of Maersk vessels as “a step in the right direction for sustaining global supply chains through the Suez Canal, the shortest, fastest, and safest maritime route linking East and West.” He noted that the strategic partnership will serve as a cornerstone for co-operation across maritime and logistics sectors. In 2023, Maersk ships completed 1,158 transits with a total net tonnage of 127 million, generating $733 million in revenues.
Rabie also highlighted the positive impact of the recent Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, which bolstered security in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, paving the way for the gradual recovery of regional shipping traffic. Navigation data for October and November 2025 shows continued improvement, with 1,136 vessels carrying 47.1 million tonnes of net cargo in October, compared to 40.4 million tonnes in October 2024, and 1,156 vessels transporting 48.5 million tonnes in November, up from 38.3 million tonnes in the same month last year.
The SCA is planning intensive discussions with global shipping lines to adjust sailing schedules and ensure a full return of vessels through the Red Sea and Bab El-Mandeb. Preliminary talks with CMA CGM have already resulted in the scheduled full resumption of transit in December.
Vincent Clerc praised the SCA’s management of recent challenges, asserting that the Suez Canal is not only a vital shipping route for Maersk but also a strategic partner in East Port Said’s container terminal. “The Suez Canal remains a pivotal backbone for Maersk’s operations, and the return of our vessels marks the first step toward restoring full navigation through the Red Sea and the canal,” he said. Clerc also welcomed the outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, noting its role in stabilising the region and facilitating the strategic partnership.
