Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Plan Broad Suez Canal Return by Q1 2027

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are preparing to resume almost all their shipping services through the Suez Canal by the first quarter of 2027, according to a media report. The move is expected to coincide with further adjustments to their Gemini Cooperation network, with changes to Asia-Mediterranean operations planned from the second half of November.

As part of the revised network, the carriers will introduce a new service linking China with western Mediterranean transshipment hubs through the Suez Canal. The service will operate under the name AE18 for Maersk and SE5 for Hapag-Lloyd, with its first departure scheduled for November 22, when the *Maersk Edirne* sails from Shanghai.

The planned restructuring will also include modifications to existing port rotations. These changes are intended to strengthen links through major Mediterranean hubs and improve connections between Asia and destinations in Europe, West Africa and Latin America.

Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen said the gradual resumption of Suez Canal transits has advanced without major operational disruptions. He added that nearly all services could return to the route during the first quarter of 2027, provided there are no significant changes in conditions.

Meanwhile, shipping analyst Lars Jensen estimated that approximately 30–35% of the industry’s Suez Canal routings have already returned to normal operations, indicating that the wider shipping sector’s shift back to the route is progressing.

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