Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced another step in their gradual return to the Suez Canal, with their ME1 shipping service now operating via the Red Sea and Suez Canal instead of taking the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.
The change, announced on 2 November 2026 and confirmed in Maersk’s latest European market update on 6 November, forms part of a wider series of routing adjustments across the carriers’ Gemini Cooperation network.
For businesses shipping goods between Asia, India and Europe, including the UK, the changes could offer shorter transit times and more direct shipping connections.
Which Shipping Services Are Returning to the Suez Canal?
The latest announcement concerns the ME1 service, which connects India with Northern Europe.
Under the revised routing, the service will call at:
Mundra – Nhava Sheva – Salalah – Suez Canal – Tangier – Rotterdam – Wilhelmshaven – Hamburg – London – Algeciras – Tangier – Suez Canal – Salalah – Mundra.
The London call provides a connection to the UK through London Gateway Port in Essex.
According to Maersk, the first westbound sailing under the revised route was scheduled to depart Salalah on 4 November aboard Atlanta Express, with the first eastbound sailing scheduled to depart Tangier on 13 November aboard Savannah Express.
The ME1 joins six other Gemini Cooperation services previously announced for trans-Suez routing:
- AE5
- AE11
- AE12
- AE15
- AE19
- ME2
The AE15 and AE19 services were already using the Suez Canal, while changes to AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2 were announced in September 2026.
This latest announcement represents a further expansion of the carriers’ return to the Suez Canal rather than a complete return of their entire shipping network.
Why Is the Suez Canal Route Important?
The Suez Canal provides a vital shipping connection between Asia and Europe, allowing vessels to travel between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean without sailing around the southern tip of Africa.
Due to security concerns in the Red Sea, many shipping lines previously diverted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.
Although this alternative route avoids the affected region, it adds considerable distance to journeys between Asia and Europe.
Returning selected services to the Suez Canal could provide several benefits, including:
- Shorter ocean freight transit times on affected routes.
- Reduced sailing distances compared with the Cape of Good Hope.
- More direct connections between Asian and European ports.
- Potential improvements in shipping efficiency and cargo planning.
However, actual transit times will depend on individual services, port operations and prevailing conditions.
Businesses should therefore confirm the latest routing and estimated transit times for their shipments before making delivery commitments.
Red Sea Security Remains a Key Consideration
Despite the gradual return of shipping services to the Suez Canal, security conditions in the Red Sea remain an important consideration.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have confirmed that any further changes to Gemini Cooperation services will depend on continued stability in the region.
The carriers have also emphasised that the safety of crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains their highest priority.
This means that shipping routes could be adjusted again if security conditions deteriorate.
Shipping Between Asia and the UK?
The gradual return of selected services to the Suez Canal is an important development for international sea freight, with the potential to improve transit times between Asia and Europe.
At Beckchoice, we continue to monitor shipping line announcements, service changes and developments affecting international freight routes.
Whether you are importing goods from China or India, or exporting to international markets, our team can help you explore available sea freight options and plan your shipments.
Looking for reliable international freight solutions?
Contact Beckchoice to discuss your shipping requirements and find out how we can help keep your goods moving.