Maersk Reestablishes MECL Services in Red Sea via Suez Canal

Danish Maersk, the world's second-largest container shipping company, has reinstated its MECL (Middle East–US East Coast) services, which connect the Middle East and India to the US East Coast, back to the Red Sea route via the Suez Canal after months of diversions around the Cape of Good Hope. This decision is considered the first structural step the company has taken in its process of returning to the Red Sea.

MECL Service Returns to Original Model

The MECL line, which is entirely operated by Maersk and is not part of any alliance network, will revert to its originally designed operational model with this change. This will shorten transit times and reintroduce a more efficient and predictable route for customers.

First Voyages in January and February

The structural return process will begin with the departure of the 8,650 TEU capacity Danish-flagged vessel Cornelia Maersk from the Port of Salalah in Oman on January 26. Maersk Detroit will be the first ship to sail eastward through the Suez Canal on February 3.

This decision was made following two trial voyages conducted by the Maersk Sebarok and Maersk Denver vessels in the Red Sea corridor. The company emphasized that this process is part of a gradual and cautious approach to restart East-West navigation.

Security Conditions Will Be Determinative

Maersk stated that the return to the Red Sea is contingent upon the stable continuation of security conditions in the region. The company announced that it will continue to closely monitor developments and that emergency plans are in place to be activated in the event of renewed tensions. These plans include the possibility of redirecting MECL services or the entire line back to the Cape of Good Hope route if necessary.

Emphasis on the Suez Canal

Maersk has long argued that the route through the Suez Canal is the preferred option when conditions permit. The Suez Canal and Red Sea corridor offer the fastest and most fuel-efficient connection between East and West, providing lower emissions and higher scheduling reliability compared to the Cape of Good Hope route.

The company also noted that close cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority has played a key role in the planning of the return. Maersk added that while carefully reintroducing more services through the corridor, it will remain in continuous coordination with authorities to ensure safe operations and predictable service levels.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye