Maersk halts rerouting of ME11 and MECL service back through Suez

Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following the escalating military conflict, Maersk says it has decided – in close coordination with its security partners – to pause future Trans Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being.

Until further, all sailings on the ME11 (Middle East-India to Mediterranean) and MECL (Middle East-India to East Coast US) services will be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope. “The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority,” says the company, “and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all needed actions. We remain committed to minimising the impact on our customers’ supply chains and will continue to keep them updated on the situation.”

Once the situation stabilises and the security situation again permits, Maersk says it will continue to prioritise the Trans-Suez route for ME11 and MECL services “as it is the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient way for us to serve our customers.”

Cargo acceptance for the Middle East area remains open.

In addition, heedful of the safety of its crews, vessels and customers’ cargo, Maersk is suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice. As a result, services calling ports in the Arabian Gulf may experience delays, rerouting, or schedule adjustments.