Finance
Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd to resume some Red Sea transits with naval escorts
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 3, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 3, 2026
Quick Summary
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd reroute a shared service through the Red Sea with naval security, enhancing Asia-Europe trade reliability.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to Restart Red Sea Transits with Naval Support
Resumption of Red Sea Shipping Routes
COPENHAGEN, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Shipping groups Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk will resume some transit routes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal this month under their shared services network, Maersk said on Tuesday.
Background on Shipping Disruptions
Shipping companies are weighing a return to the critical Asia-Europe trade corridor after vessels were rerouted around Africa in late 2023 following attacks in the Red Sea, which Yemen's Houthis said were to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Security Measures for Transit
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd's joint ME11 service, a route connecting India and the Middle East with the Mediterranean, will resume routing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal from mid-February with ships travelling under naval escort, Maersk said in a statement.
Future Plans for Other Services
A Maersk spokesperson declined to comment on what kind of assistance it would be or who would provide it.
TESTING TRANSITS SINCE DECEMBER
The ceasefire in Gaza, in place since last October, has renewed hope of normalizing Red Sea traffic although fighting has not stopped entirely, and both sides in the conflict have accused each other of violating the deal's terms.
"The highest possible security precautions will be undertaken, as the safety of the crew, the vessels, and the customers' cargo remains the highest priority of both carriers," Maersk said.
Plans to reroute two other services, the AE12 and AE15, through the same area will be considered later, Maersk added.
Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk formed the Gemini network last year in a bid to cut their shipping costs and improve schedule reliability.
In December Maersk's Sebarok vessel navigated the route for the first time in nearly two years.
The Suez Canal is the fastest route linking Europe and Asia and until the Houthi attacks had accounted for about 10% of global seaborne trade, according to Clarksons Research.
(Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Terje Solsvik, Louise Rasmussen and Susan Fenton)
Key Takeaways
- •Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd reroute through the Red Sea.
- •Security measures include naval assistance.
- •The Gemini network aims to cut costs and improve reliability.
- •Vessels were previously rerouted around Africa due to security concerns.
- •The Red Sea is a critical corridor for Asia-Europe trade.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd to resume some Red Sea transits with naval escorts
1What is the Gemini Network?
The Gemini Network is a collaborative initiative formed by Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk aimed at reducing shipping costs and improving schedule reliability.
2What are security measures in shipping?
Security measures in shipping include protocols and actions taken to protect vessels, cargo, and crew from threats such as piracy and terrorism.
