Maersk returns to the Red Sea

Maersk vessels are slowly making their way back to Red Sea waters

Shipping giant Maersk’s Sebarok ship passed through the Bab El Mandab Strait and the Red Sea for the first time in two years since the company stopped transiting the Red Sea route, it said on its website. The company plans to continue the gradual return of its sailing along the East-West route through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, “assuming that security thresholds continue to be met.” Meanwhile, no sailings are scheduled at the moment, it added.

Will other shippers follow suit? The move comes on the heels of French shipping giant CMA CGM’s rerouting of its India America Express (Indamex) service through the Red Sea, with the first vessel serving the service on the new program set to arrive at the Suez Canal on 8 January.