Suez Canal Set to Reopen: Test Voyages Signal a Restart for the World’s Artery

About a year after the Red Sea crisis, the Suez Canal—the lifeline connecting Asia and Europe—is showing signs of reopening.

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) of Egypt held a meeting with more than 20 shipping lines and agents on November 4.

Two days later, it also held online talks with executives from Maersk, one of the world’s largest carriers.

Chairman Osama Rabie stated, “We have completed dredging work on the western branch near Port Said and improved safety,” urging carriers to “conduct trial voyages.”

After a long suspension, global shipping may soon return to the Suez route.

Peace Efforts Bring Stability and Renew Confidence

This reopening comes amid regional stabilization.

A peace summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in October helped improve security along the Red Sea, reducing navigation risks.

Following this, CMA-CGM sent two 170,000 DWT vessels through the canal.

A company spokesperson stated, “There is no alternative to the Suez Canal. CMA-CGM will strengthen its fleet and reinforce the route.”

Meanwhile, MSC, the world’s largest container line, noted, “With stability returning to the Red Sea, we expect more southbound sailings.”

The industry is slowly moving toward a “return to Suez.”

Maersk Prioritizes Safety Above All

Not all carriers are rushing back at once.

All eyes are on Maersk, known for its cautious approach.

CEO Vincent Clerc emphasized, “The safety of our crew comes first,” noting that the company is closely monitoring conditions around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

COO Rabab Boulos added, “When Maersk returns to the Suez route, it will be a full-scale reopening—not a trial. We will likely be the first major line to do so.”

Maersk’s stance reflects its long-standing commitment to risk management and operational discipline.

The company moves only when it’s confident—and moves fast when it does.

Shipping Lines’ Requests and SCA’s Challenges

During talks with the SCA, carriers and agents raised several key requests:

• Incentives for flexible vessel types such as tankers and bulk carriers
• A standardized, transparent system to assess and publish safety data
• Improved information sharing and transparency

These points underline that carriers now value “safety over speed.”

To rebuild trust, the Suez Canal must visualize safety with data and prove it to the global shipping community.

Economic Impact of Returning to Suez

A full reopening would have major economic implications.

Since the Red Sea crisis, many vessels have rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10–14 days to voyages and increasing fuel costs by roughly 20%.

As a result, freight rates surged and transit times to Europe lengthened significantly.

A stable Suez reopening could reduce costs, normalize schedules, and ease freight rates.

For Asian exporters, the return of “predictable shipping” would be invaluable.

In addition, a return to the Suez route would reactivate Mediterranean and European ports, boosting port operations and regional logistics activity.

Outlook: Gradual Resumption Expected

The process is more likely a gradual reopening than a full restart.

European carriers such as CMA-CGM are leading test sailings, while MSC and Maersk plan to follow after confirming safety.

Eventually, medium-sized lines and specialized cargo operators are expected to join.

Rather than rushing, the focus remains on a careful, step-by-step return.

The Red Sea crisis reminded the industry of geopolitical risk.

Yet, the Suez Canal continues to prove its indispensable role in global trade.

Conclusion

Carriers are demanding data transparency and visible safety assurance.

As reopening progresses, it could stabilize freight rates, normalize schedules, and revive global trade flow.

The world’s maritime artery—the Suez Canal—is slowly coming back to life.