Maersk–Hapag-Lloyd: ME1 service to return through Suez
The India–Europe service changes route. First departures are scheduled for 4 and 13 November, with continued assessment of Red Sea security.
Maersk announced on 2 November 2026 that the ME1 container service linking India and Europe will return through the Suez Canal under its Gemini Cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd. The change replaces the Cape of Good Hope routing and is also reported by an accessible Reuters dispatch.
The first two departures
The original company advisory identifies Atlanta Express, voyage 644W, as the first westbound vessel, with Salalah as its last call before the transition and an estimated departure on 4 November. In the opposite direction it lists Savannah Express, voyage 644E, departing Tangier on 13 November. These are scheduled sailings, not completed transits.
Ports on the rotation
The new rotation starts at Mundra and Nhava Sheva, passes Salalah, Suez and Tangier, continues to Rotterdam, Wilhelmshaven, Hamburg, London and Algeciras, then returns through Tangier, Suez and Salalah to Mundra.
Security remains a condition
The companies say they will closely monitor the Middle East security situation and that alterations within Gemini depend on continued stability in the Red Sea. The announcement concerns this particular service and does not confirm a return of every service to the region.
Maersk expects more efficient transit times but gives no specific number of days saved or new ME1 tariffs. For businesses planning shipments, the relevant checks are the individual voyage, estimated departure and any subsequent routing revision; an automatic reduction in freight rates does not follow from the announcement.
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