en.Wedoany.com Reported - Dimension News, July 6 – International shipping companies Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced that they will resume some route services via the Suez Canal under their jointly operated Gemini shipping network. Shares of both companies fell on the day, with the market anticipating that this move could put pressure on global shipping rates. Maersk stated in a press release: "This joint decision with Hapag-Lloyd was made after a comprehensive assessment of the security situation in the Red Sea region, marking an important step for both parties toward gradually restoring the transport corridor through the Suez Canal."

Since the Houthi group in Yemen launched sustained attacks in the Red Sea, most shipping companies have ceased using the Suez Canal and Red Sea routes, opting instead to sail around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, significantly extending voyage distances. The Suez Canal–Red Sea route is the shortest maritime corridor connecting Europe and Asia. According to data from shipping consultancy Clarksons Research, this route carried approximately 10% of global seaborne trade volume before the attacks. This partial resumption of Suez Canal services is based on an assessment of the regional security situation. Both companies stated they will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East situation and noted that any future adjustments to the Gemini network's routes will depend on whether stability can be sustained.

Haider Anjum, an analyst at Danish bank Jyske Bank, noted in a report that this could be the first step toward a full resumption of Red Sea routes and may pave the way for a complete return by the end of the year. Analysts believe that once full resumption is achieved, shipping companies will be able to manage capacity more efficiently. Combined with the increase in capacity from new vessel deliveries in 2027 and 2028, this could exert downward pressure on shipping rates. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd had previously resumed the ME11 route via the Suez Canal in February, but renewed tensions in the Middle East later drove up fuel costs. Last week, Maersk raised its 2026 performance guidance, forecasting global container freight volume growth of approximately 4%.