Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Shipping Companies Plan Suez Canal Return
Big shipping companies are making plans to start using the Suez Canal again.
They stopped using it for over two years because there were attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
A peace deal in October 2025 made them think about going back.
Some companies, like Maersk, are starting to send ships through the canal again starting January 26, 2026.
Others, like CMA CGM, are being more careful and might not go back right away.
Hapag-Lloyd says it will take 60-90 days to get everything ready.
Wallinius Wilhelmsen is still deciding what to do.
They all want to make sure it's safe before they start using the canal again.
Maersk to resume Suez Canal sailings starting January 26, 2026, after testing the route in December and January.
CMA CGM to reroute vessels away from the Suez Canal due to global uncertainties, cutting back expansion plans.
Hapag-Lloyd will not adjust operations immediately and expects a 60-90 day transition period for a gradual return.
Wallinius Wilhelmsen is still assessing the situation and will not resume sailing until certain conditions are met.
Shipping companies have been rerouting vessels around Africa since November 2023 due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
- Who
- Major shipping companies including Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Wallinius Wilhelmsen
- What
- Plans to resume sailing through the Suez Canal after two years of disruptions
- When
- Starting January 26, 2026, with a gradual return over 60-90 days
- Where
- Suez Canal and Red Sea
- Why
- Due to security risks from Houthi attacks and a ceasefire agreement in October 2025
- Ceasefire Agreement
- October 2025
- Rerouting Start
- November 2023
- Maersk Resumption
- January 26, 2026
- CMA CGM Adjustment
- January 2026
- Hapag-Lloyd Transition
- 60-90 days
- Wallinius Wilhelmsen Status
- Assessing situation
- Security Risks
- Red Sea disruptions since 2023