Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk are gradually restoring Suez Canal and Red Sea routing across selected Gemini Cooperation services, marking a cautious shift away from the Cape of Good Hope route as security conditions improve.
The carriers have introduced structural changes to several Gemini services this year. In August, the AE19 service was switched to the trans-Suez route, following an earlier change to the AE15 service in July. Both moves were described as steps towards a gradual return to the Suez corridor.
Hapag-Lloyd said the changes follow detailed assessments of the security situation in the Red Sea. The carriers continue to emphasise the safety of crews, vessels and cargo, with further routing decisions dependent on developments in the region.
The shift is significant for Asia-Europe container shipping because the Suez route offers substantially shorter transit times than sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Hapag-Lloyd has said the trans-Suez corridor is the fastest and most efficient option for many Asia-Europe movements.
The Gemini partners had initially maintained a Cape-based network because of security risks in the Red Sea. In February 2026, they began limited Suez operations with the IMX service, connecting India and the Middle East with the Mediterranean, while stressing that the network would be expanded only when conditions allowed.
The progressive return to Suez could reduce voyage times, fuel consumption and vessel requirements on affected services, while also improving schedule competitiveness. However, the carriers are continuing to monitor the security environment closely before making broader changes to the Gemini network.