Red Sea return gathers pace as Maersk restores another Suez service
- Maersk’s MECL offering joins AE15 on Suez route as Danish carrier expands its gradual return to the Red Sea after months of trial sailings
- Bab el Mandeb boxship transits above 10,000 teu jumped 215% in the first half of 2026 on last year, signalling a tentative recovery in traffic
- A broader return would free up capacity, raising downside risks for freight rates
Maersk has restored a second service to the trans-Suez route, adding to evidence that container lines are cautiously reassessing Red Sea risks. While traffic remains well below pre-crisis levels, rising transit volumes and the return of larger vessels suggest confidence is slowly rebuilding
