The AE15 shipping service, previously operating around the Cape of Good Hope, will now take the shorter route through the Suez Canal after improved security assessments.

On July 6, 2026, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced this route change for their AE15 service under the Gemini Cooperation network. Previously, vessels on this service sailed around the Cape of Good Hope due to security concerns in the Red Sea; however, they will now transit the Red Sea via the Suez Canal. The first vessel to operate on the new route will be the Majestic Maersk. The companies reviewed the security situation in the Red Sea and determined that it is safe enough for the AE15 service to use the shorter route again.

The AE15 service is a regular container shipping route connecting ports in Asia with the Mediterranean. It previously took a longer route around the Cape of Good Hope due to security concerns. The service stops at several ports, including Qingdao, Kwangyang, Ningbo, Tanjung Pelepas, Port Said, Damietta, Colombo, and Singapore.

Many shipping companies had avoided the Red Sea route for over two years due to attacks on commercial vessels in the area, opting for the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, which increased both fuel and operating costs.

By returning to the Suez Canal, the AE15 service can now achieve shorter sailing times and faster cargo movement between Asia and the Mediterranean. Maersk has stated that this route change applies only to the AE15 service; all other Asia-Europe services will continue their current courses. The company will continue to monitor the security situation and may change the route again if necessary. Earlier this year, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd also reverted their ME11 service to the Suez Canal following a similar security review.