Gemini return to Suez marks the first structural step by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd towards restoring container services through the Suez Canal. The partners announced that the AE15 service will return to the trans-Suez route after operating via the Cape of Good Hope.
The change follows a joint assessment of the security situation in the Red Sea. The first vessel to sail on the revised route will be the Majestic Maersk.
The updated rotation will be:
Qingdao – Kwangyang – Ningbo – Cape Pelepas – Port Said – Damietta – Colombo – Singapore.
Although the AE15 service does not include a Greek port, the decision is significant for the wider Eastern Mediterranean. It could strengthen the region’s role as a gateway between Asia and Europe if more carriers follow the same approach.
For more than two years, vessels have avoided the Red Sea because of security concerns. Instead, many services diverted around the Cape of Good Hope. The longer route increased transit times, raised operating costs and disrupted supply chains.
A gradual return to the Suez Canal could reverse some of these challenges. Shorter voyages would improve schedule reliability and reduce sailing distances. They could also help restore the competitive advantage of Eastern Mediterranean ports.
The development could prove positive for the Port of Piraeus. As one of Europe’s leading container gateways and a major transshipment hub, Piraeus is well positioned to benefit from stronger Asia-Europe connectivity through the Suez Canal. More services in the region could support cargo flows and improve feeder connections across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greek importers could also benefit. Faster transit times and more reliable schedules would improve supply chain planning. If additional services return to the Suez route, shipping costs could also become more competitive over time.
Maersk described the Suez Canal as the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient corridor between Asia and Europe. The company said the revised routing will provide customers with more efficient transit times.
However, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd stressed that the decision depends on continued stability in the Red Sea. The companies will closely monitor the security situation and are prepared to return the service to the Cape of Good Hope if conditions deteriorate.
The announcement marks an important milestone for the Gemini Cooperation. It is the first structural return of one of its services to the Suez Canal. While it does not signal a full normalization of Asia-Europe shipping, it shows that major carriers are beginning to regain confidence in the corridor.
If security continues to improve, more services could follow. That would further strengthen the Eastern Mediterranean’s position in global container shipping and create new opportunities for regional ports, including Greece.
