Hapag-Lloyd plans more Suez Canal transits
The shipping company discussed resuming services with the Suez Canal Authority chairman in Ismailia.
German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd is planning to increase its Suez Canal transits, adding to the two services already operating between Asia and Europe. Suez Canal Authority Chairman Ossama Rabiee met with Hapag-Lloyd Senior Managing Director Juan Pablo Richards in Ismailia to discuss the potential return of more services.
Hapag-Lloyd is monitoring Red Sea safety and maritime indicators to adjust sailing schedules as traffic gradually resumes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal. Rabiee affirmed the canal's readiness to accommodate returning services, highlighting the SCA's fleet modernization and service development. Discussions also included potential cooperation on training for ship captains at the Damietta Alliance Container Terminal.
The move by Hapag-Lloyd reflects a broader industry trend, with companies like Maersk also transitioning services back to the Suez route. This route saves 10 to 14 days on Asia-Europe voyages compared to the Cape of Good Hope. In the third quarter of 2026, 166 containerships transited the canal, up from 16 in the same period of 2025, with tonnage rising to 29 million net tons.
Why it mattersThe Suez Canal Authority expects to generate US$5.56 billion in revenue in 2027 from increased vessel transits.