Maersk’s return to Red Sea transits is happening more quickly than anticipated, and the shipping line’s plans are no longer being tied to developments in the Strait of Hormuz, according to ShippingWatch.
Citing Jyske Bank analyst Haider Anjum, ShippingWatch reports that the majority of the global merchant fleet could resume Red Sea passage by the end of the year. This marks a notable shift in pace compared to earlier expectations for the industry’s return to the route, which had been avoided by many carriers due to security concerns in the region.
According to ShippingWatch, the outlook for Red Sea transits is now being assessed independently of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that has separately seen disruption. The publication’s related coverage notes that new attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have reduced the number of vessels passing through that waterway, following a fourth wave of attacks between the US and Iran reported within the same week.
ShippingWatch also reports that Maersk is launching an additional route through the Red Sea, adding to signs that the carrier is expanding its operational footprint in the area. Separately, the outlet notes that Maersk faced pressure to return to the Suez Canal route, with analysts pointing to the need to protect market share as a driving factor.
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A faster-than-expected return of merchant vessels to the Red Sea would represent a meaningful shift in global shipping routes, potentially affecting transit times, fuel consumption patterns, and bunkering demand along the Suez Canal corridor as opposed to the longer Cape of Good Hope alternative. Vessel operators and charterers tracking route decisions may find the decoupling of Red Sea plans from Hormuz-related risk noteworthy, since it suggests carriers are evaluating the two chokepoints on separate risk timelines.
At the same time, continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, including reduced vessel transits following fresh attacks, remains a separate and active concern for tanker operators and traders monitoring that route. The source material does not provide further detail on specific timelines, vessel counts, or which carriers beyond Maersk are involved in the broader fleet return, so the full scope of the shift is not yet clear.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch
