What's happened
Since November 2023, attacks by Yemen's Houthi militants have disrupted shipping through the Suez Canal and Red Sea, prompting reroutes around Africa. Recent ceasefire developments have led companies like Maersk and CMA CGM to test the canal's safety, signaling a cautious move toward resumption of normal maritime traffic.
What's behind the headline?
The recent testing of the Suez Canal by Maersk marks a significant shift in maritime logistics amid ongoing regional tensions. The attacks by Houthi militants had effectively sidelined the canal, forcing ships to take longer, more expensive routes around Africa, which impacted global supply chains and freight rates. The successful navigation by Maersk suggests that the security situation is improving, but the cautious approach by major carriers like CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd indicates that full reopening is still uncertain.
This cautious resumption reflects a broader strategic calculus: while the ceasefire in Gaza offers hope for stability, the Houthis' unpredictable behavior keeps the route's safety uncertain. Analysts forecast that a full return to Suez Canal transits could reduce shipping costs and transit times, potentially lowering freight rates and easing supply chain pressures by late 2026. However, the risk of renewed conflict or attacks remains a significant obstacle, and the industry will likely proceed incrementally.
The potential reopening of the canal will have geopolitical implications, reaffirming Egypt's economic reliance on the route and possibly shifting regional power dynamics. For shippers and global markets, this signals a tentative step toward normalization, but the situation remains fragile and subject to regional developments.
What the papers say
The Reuters articles from December 19 and 23, 2025, provide detailed insights into the current state of maritime routes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Reuters reports that Maersk has successfully navigated the route for the first time in nearly two years, emphasizing a 'stepwise approach' to resuming operations. The articles highlight the cautious optimism among shipping companies, with some, like CMA CGM, already planning to use the canal regularly from early 2026. The Times of Israel adds context by noting the broader geopolitical environment, including the ceasefire in Gaza and the ongoing security concerns in the region. Both sources underscore the importance of regional stability for the future of global shipping and the economic significance of the Suez Canal for Egypt and international trade.
How we got here
Attacks by Yemen's Houthi forces on ships in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait since November 2023 forced shipping companies to reroute around Africa, increasing costs and transit times. A fragile ceasefire in Gaza, initiated in October 2025, has prompted some firms to explore reopening the Suez Canal route, which is vital for global trade, especially between Europe and Asia. Maersk's successful test transit in December indicates a potential gradual return to normal operations, though security concerns remain.
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