Maersk and CMA CGM Return to Suez at Full Capacity in December: New Partnership Agreement Accelerates Timeline
Maersk and CMA CGM Return to Suez at Full Capacity in December: New Partnership Agreement Accelerates Timeline
The new strategic partnership agreement signed between the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and A.P. Moller–Maersk Group marks a critical turning point for global maritime trade. The agreement will enable Maersk-affiliated vessels to return to the Suez Canal on a phased basis beginning in early December, reaching full capacity throughout December. Concurrently, CMA CGM is preparing to redirect all its services back to the Bab el-Mandeb–Suez route starting in December. Consequently, following nearly two years of route diversions, escalating fuel costs, and capacity losses, acceleration of normalization on the primary artery of East–West trade is expected.
The agreement was signed following consultations between Adm. Ossama Rabiee and Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc held at the New Marina building in Ismailia. In a statement, the SCA characterized the return not merely as a security and stability signal, but also as a "return of the global supply chain to its sustainable route." Rabiee described Maersk's return to Suez as a "reversion to optimal route selection in logistics."
Rabiee specifically noted that the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit had contributed to enhanced security along the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb corridor. SCA traffic data corroborates this improvement:
In October, 1,136 vessels transited with 47.1 million tons in net tonnage; in the same month last year, tonnage was at 40.4 million.
For November, 1,156 vessels are expected to carry 48.5 million tons and generate $383.4 million in revenue.
These increases are expected to become more pronounced in 2026 alongside the full-capacity return, in parallel with improved security perceptions.
During the crisis, the SCA expanded its fleet and service network, implementing flexible pricing policies such as transit fee reductions of up to 15% specifically for large-tonnage container vessels. This approach accelerated return plans to Suez not only for Maersk but for other major carriers as well.
Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc praised the SCA's "approach to crisis management" and uninterrupted communication between the two parties. Clerc characterized the Suez Canal as:
"A fundamental pillar of Maersk operations in the past, today, and in the future"
and emphasized that the Group's East Port Said Terminal investment forms part of this ongoing strategic partnership.
Clerc further stated that the return to Suez would create a domino effect, with many carriers making the same decision, thereby opening the door to freight rate normalization in the global shipping market. In particular, route extensions, increased bunker consumption, and capacity losses stemming from Red Sea risks over the past two years had caused freight rates to fluctuate sharply on a seasonal basis.
The SCA emphasized that the process extends beyond merely resuming transits, but also encompasses logistics partnerships, digital initiatives, and integrated port investments, announcing its objective to build a sustainable and flexible supply network.
In conclusion, the full-capacity utilization of the Suez Canal by Maersk and CMA CGM beginning in December is regarded as one of the clearest signals of normalization for the global supply chain. As 2026 approaches, the restoration of uninterrupted flow along the backbone of East–West trade will exert a strong corrective effect on freight rates, transit times, and vessel fleet efficiency.
Key Takeaways
Maersk and CMA CGM are returning to Suez Canal transits at full capacity in December.
A strategic partnership agreement was signed between the SCA and Maersk.
Following the Peace Summit, Red Sea security perceptions have improved; the Bab el-Mandeb corridor is stabilizing.
The SCA is offering transit discounts of up to 15% for large-tonnage vessels.
October and November 2025 transit data show year-on-year growth in tonnage and revenue.
Vincent Clerc: "Suez will continue to be a fundamental component of Maersk operations."
The return is expected to normalize freight markets and global capacity management.
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News Link: https://en.portnews.ru/news/384992/
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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