Following comprehensive security assessments, Hapag-Lloyd and A.P. Moller – Maersk have decided to adjust the routing of one of their shared services under the Gemini Cooperation, reintroducing transits through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
From mid-February, the IMX service linking India and the Middle East with the Mediterranean will resume Red Sea transits, with all voyages supported by naval assistance.
The change will begin with westbound sailings from the vessel Albert Maersk (voyage 605W), departing Mundra on February 4, 2026, and eastbound sailings from Astrid Maersk (voyage 605E), departing Valencia on February 3.
Additional westbound transits are scheduled weekly through early March, while eastbound sailings will alternate between Tangier and Port Said as the last ports before Suez.
The return to Suez shortens voyage distances compared with Cape of Good Hope rerouting and is expected to reduce transit times and bunker demand on the corridor. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd said further routing changes to the SE1 and SE3 services may follow, but no additional Red Sea-related adjustments to the Gemini Cooperation network are currently planned.
Both companies said crew, vessel and cargo safety remains the highest priority, with the situation under continuous review.
