A.P. Moller–Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced a structural change to their Gemini Cooperation network, confirming that the AE15 Asia-Europe service will resume sailing via the Suez Canal instead of routing around the Cape of Good Hope.
The move follows a comprehensive assessment of the security situation in the Red Sea and marks another step in the carriers’ gradual return to the trans-Suez corridor. The first vessel to operate on the revised routing will be the Majestic Maersk.
According to Maersk, the Suez Canal remains the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient maritime corridor connecting Asia and Europe, enabling shorter transit times and improved supply chain efficiency for customers. The AE15 service links Asia, the Mediterranean and Europe, and its return to the Suez route is expected to enhance schedule performance while reducing voyage distances.
Despite the routing change, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd stressed that the safety of crews, vessels and cargo remains their highest priority. Both carriers said they will continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and retain contingency plans to revert the service to the Cape of Good Hope should the security situation deteriorate.