Customer Advisory: Red Sea Routing Update - Ocean Carriers Gradually Returning To Suez Canal Transits

September 1, 2026

Summary

• Several major ocean carriers have begun selectively returning vessels and services from the Cape of Good Hope routing to the Suez Canal and Red Sea corridor following a reassessment of regional security conditions.
• MSC has announced the partial restoration of Suez Canal transits on specific East-West services, with implementation occurring on a service-by-service basis.
• Industry reports indicate that Suez Canal capacity is increasing as more carriers cautiously resume transit through the region, while maintaining contingency plans should security conditions change.
• Due to continued uncertainty, some carriers may divert route without prior notice and customers should be aware about potential impact with their insurance companies.
• APL Logistics continues to monitor carrier announcements and network changes that may impact transit times, equipment positioning, and capacity availability.

Market Update

After nearly two years of widespread diversions around the Cape of Good Hope due to security concerns in the Red Sea region, several container shipping lines have started a gradual return to the Suez Canal route. Recent announcements from carriers suggest renewed confidence in the operational environment, although most carriers continue to take a phased and cautious approach.

MSC recently announced the resumption of selected East-West services through the Suez Canal, covering both westbound and eastbound sailings across Asia-Mediterranean, Asia-North Europe, and India-Mediterranean trade lanes. The carrier noted that implementation will occur progressively and that contingency arrangements remain in place should conditions require route adjustments.

Additional industry reporting indicates that other carriers, including Maersk and CMA CGM, are also increasing their use of the Suez Canal. Multiple vessels have recently transited the waterway as carriers seek to restore network efficiency and reduce the extended voyage times associated with Cape of Good Hope routings.

‍Potential Supply Chain Impacts

The gradual return to Suez Canal routing may generate several market effects:

• Reduced transit times for Asia-Europe and Asia-Mediterranean services compared with Cape of Good Hope routings.
• Improved vessel rotation efficiency and increased effective capacity as carriers shorten voyage durations.
• Potential short-term schedule adjustments as carriers reposition equipment and realign service networks.
• Continued uncertainty, as carriers have emphasized that route decisions remain subject to ongoing security assessments. Some carriers may divert route without prior notice and customers should be aware about potential impact with their insurance companies.

APL Logistics' Perspective

While the return of selected services to the Suez Canal is a positive development for global supply chain efficiency, the transition remains gradual and carrier-specific. Customers should expect some variability in routing decisions as ocean carriers continue to assess operational and security conditions throughout the region.

APL Logistics is closely monitoring market developments and carrier network announcements. We will continue to work with our carrier partners to identify opportunities to improve transit reliability while helping customers navigate any operational changes resulting from the evolving situation.

We will provide further updates as conditions develop.

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Sources

• MSC: Resumption of Selected East-West Services in the Red Sea Region (24 Aug 2026) [msc.com]
• Maersk Mega-Ships Return to Suez Canal as Red Sea Routes Reopen (Global Trade Magazine, 25 Aug 2026) [globaltrademag.com]
• Suez Capacity Sees Rapid Growth as Ocean Carriers Hurry Back to Route (Journal of Commerce, 21 Aug 2026) [joc.com]
• Internal ocean market intelligence and Red Sea monitoring materials.