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Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have begun a phased return to the Suez Canal for part of their Asia–Europe services. The first step concerns the AE15/SE3 service within the Gemini network, connecting a number of ports in Asia, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The first vessel has already completed the revised routing via the Suez Canal.

The return to the shorter route is expected to reduce transit times between Asia and Europe and improve schedule reliability. The carriers have opted for a gradual reintroduction of Suez transits to minimise the risk of port congestion that could arise if multiple services were to switch back simultaneously. At this stage, the recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have not affected these plans.

The change in routing also has implications for fuel costs. As vessels operating these services no longer need to sail via the Cape of Good Hope, fuel consumption and associated operating costs are expected to decrease. Shippers and logistics service providers are therefore advised to review bunker- and fuel-related surcharges carefully. Temporary surcharges introduced to reflect the longer diversion around Africa should, where applicable, no longer be necessary and should be reflected in the revised Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF).

Meanwhile, the container shipping market remains in its traditional peak season. The Drewry World Container Index has increased significantly since early May, driven primarily by strong demand on the trans-Pacific trade as US importers accelerate shipments ahead of potential new import tariffs. Demand on the Asia–Europe trade remains relatively stable, with the peak season expected to continue through August. As a result, pressure on vessel capacity and freight rates is likely to remain elevated in the coming weeks.