After more than a year of diversions around the Cape of Good Hope, routing on Asia–Europe services is beginning to change. On August 10, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced adjustments to selected Gemini Cooperation services. The AE19 service, known as SE4 at Hapag-Lloyd, will switch from the Cape of Good Hope route to the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The potential impact of resumed Suez Canal transits on Asia–Europe shipping has again become a key issue for global freight forwarders.

Key Highlights

• AE19 rerouted via Suez: The Asia–Europe service will switch from the Cape of Good Hope route to the Red Sea and Suez Canal. 

• Transit times may improve: The shorter route could reduce Asia–Europe transit times. 

• First voyage scheduled: Berlin Maersk will operate the first westbound voyage under the revised routing, voyage 628W. 

• Not a full return: The carriers will continue to adjust their routing based on security conditions in the Red Sea.

Why Is AE19 Returning to the Suez Canal?

For more than a year, security risks in the Red Sea have forced many vessels operating between Asia and Europe to divert around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing sailing distances and vessel turnaround times.

The Red Sea–Suez Canal route provides a more direct connection between Asia and Europe. If AE19 can operate consistently on this route, it could shorten sailing distances and help the carriers improve fleet turnaround.

What Are the Most Immediate Changes for Freight Forwarders?

The first is transit time. As the service switches from the Cape of Good Hope back to the Suez Canal, transit times for some Asia–Europe cargo may be reduced.

The second is sailing schedules and capacity. As vessels are rerouted, capacity deployment in the Asia–Europe market may also change. In addition to monitoring ocean freight rates, freight forwarders should confirm actual sailing schedules and estimated arrival times.

Has Red Sea Shipping Fully Resumed?

It is too early to draw that conclusion.

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have both stated that the safety of crews, vessels, and cargo remains their primary consideration and that they will continue to assess security conditions in the Red Sea.

The AE19 adjustment should therefore be viewed as a partial resumption of Suez Canal routing rather than a full return across the Red Sea shipping network. If security conditions change, the carriers may again divert vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.

What Should Freight Forwarders Monitor Next?

Three developments require particular attention: whether other carriers follow, whether AE19 can maintain the revised routing, and whether sailing schedules and freight rates change.

If more Asia–Europe services return to the Suez Canal, changes in capacity deployment across the container shipping market may accelerate. Vessel turnaround efficiency, service capacity, and the balance between supply and demand will all require continued attention.

Freight forwarders should closely monitor carrier announcements and actual sailing schedules. Final transit times should not be assessed solely on the basis that a service has returned to the Red Sea.

Summary

The routing change for Maersk’s AE19 and Hapag-Lloyd’s SE4 service is an important development for Red Sea shipping. Whether Suez Canal transits continue to recover will depend on security conditions and whether more carriers make similar operational changes.

Sources

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd

Disclaimer

This article is based on publicly available information and is provided solely for reference within the international logistics industry.