Maersk expects all its shipping services to return to the Suez Canal by March 2027, according to the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), as the carrier continues to adjust its sailing schedules.
The outlook was discussed during a video meeting between SCA Chairman Adm. Ossama Rabiee and senior Maersk executives, including Chief Operating Officer Rabab Boulos.
According to the SCA, Boulos expressed her expectation that all Maersk shipping services would resume transits through the canal by March next year.
The timeline remains an expectation rather than a confirmed schedule for the full return of the carrier’s services.
Maersk transits increase through Suez
The Suez Canal Authority reported a significant increase in Maersk-affiliated vessel transits during the first nine months of 2026.
Between January and September, 276 Maersk-affiliated vessels transited the canal, compared with 146 during the same period in 2025. This represents an increase of approximately 89%.
The combined net tonnage of these transits reached 23.3 million tons, up from 7 million tons a year earlier.
Rabiee highlighted the growing return of Maersk services and the importance of the canal for international shipping.
He also pointed to the cost advantages of the Suez route compared with sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, particularly for large container vessels.
Further service adjustments expected
During the meeting, Ahmed Hassan, Vice President of Operations at Maersk, confirmed that the company continues to update its sailing schedules.
These adjustments are expected to allow more Maersk services to transit the Suez Canal in the coming months.
Hani El-Nady, Maersk’s representative in the Middle East and North Africa, also indicated that the group is working to accelerate the return of its services.
However, the SCA announcement did not identify which additional services would return or provide specific dates for individual route changes.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions on future cooperation as Maersk reviews its navigation plans.
