Maersk Suez Canal Services Expected to Fully Return by March 2027
Shipping Arabia, October 24, 2026 – A.P. Moller-Maersk is working to accelerate the return of its shipping services to the Suez Canal, with the Group anticipating that all its services could resume transiting the waterway by March 2027. The development follows discussions with the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) on the gradual restoration of Maersk’s shipping network through the Egyptian waterway.
The discussions took place on October 20 during a video conference between SCA Chairman and Managing Director Adm. Ossama Rabiee and senior Maersk executives. Participants included Rabab Boulos, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Board member of A.P. Moller-Maersk; Ahmed Hassan, Vice President of Operations; and Hani El-Nady, the Group’s representative in the Middle East and North Africa.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the two organizations and reviewing Maersk’s navigation plans and sailing schedules through the Suez Canal during the coming months.
Maersk Suez Canal Transits Rise Sharply in 2026
According to figures presented by the Suez Canal Authority, Maersk-affiliated vessels completed 276 transits through the waterway between January and September 2026, generating a combined net tonnage of 23.3 million tons.
During the corresponding period in 2025, the Canal recorded 146 Maersk-affiliated transits, representing a total net tonnage of 7 million tons.
These figures indicate an approximately 89% year-on-year increase in vessel transits. Meanwhile, the combined net tonnage more than tripled, reflecting a substantial increase in Maersk-affiliated shipping activity through the Canal.
Rabiee highlighted the increase as evidence of the ongoing return of Maersk’s shipping services. He also emphasized the longstanding strategic partnership between the Suez Canal Authority and the shipping group.
The figures reflect the progress achieved during the first nine months of 2026, while discussions continue over the return of additional Maersk services in the coming period.
Maersk Anticipates Full Service Restoration by March 2027
During the meeting, Boulos praised the longstanding relationship between Maersk and the Suez Canal Authority. She highlighted the return of several shipping services affiliated with the Group to the Suez Canal route.
Boulos expressed her expectation that all Maersk shipping services could return to the Suez Canal by March 2027. She also reaffirmed that the waterway remains the Group’s preferred navigation route, emphasizing the strategic relationship between both organizations.
Meanwhile, Hassan confirmed that Maersk continues to update its navigation schedules. These adjustments are intended to accommodate the return of additional shipping services through the Canal in the coming period.
El-Nady also stressed that Maersk is working to accelerate the restoration of its shipping services to the Suez Canal route.
The statements underline the Group’s intention to increase its use of the waterway while continuing to review its operational schedules.
Suez Canal Highlights Economic and Navigational Advantages
Rabiee also addressed the impact of current geopolitical developments on international shipping, particularly their influence on fuel prices and freight rates.
He emphasized that these developments reinforce the strategic importance of the Suez Canal for global maritime transportation.
According to Rabiee, the Canal offers significant savings for large container vessels compared with navigating around the Cape of Good Hope. He also highlighted the navigational safety advantages associated with using the Suez Canal route.
The SCA chairman presented these factors as important considerations for shipping lines reviewing their route choices amid changing geopolitical and commercial conditions.
The discussions also reflected the strategic importance both organizations attach to their longstanding cooperation, particularly as Maersk continues adjusting its service network.
SCA and Maersk Agree to Continue Discussions
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Suez Canal Authority and Maersk agreed to hold further bilateral discussions to strengthen cooperation.
The continued dialogue will focus on supporting the return of additional Maersk shipping services and coordinating future navigation arrangements through the Canal.
With Maersk-affiliated transits already showing substantial year-on-year growth, the Group’s anticipated return of all services by March 2027 represents the next objective in its ongoing discussions with the Suez Canal Authority.
Source: Suez Canal Authority
