In the last week of December 2025, a development that could 'change the game' in maritime transportation is being discussed: some major container lines have begun cautiously returning to the Red Sea-Bab el-Mandeb passage and Suez Canal line. According to Reuters, a ship named Maersk Sebarok belonging to Maersk completed a voyage again on this route after passing through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb after nearly two years.
Gradual Return Began
This move alone doesn't mean 'everything is back to normal'; in fact, Maersk hasn't given a commitment that trans-Suez operations are fully open. But its symbolic effect is very large: The industry has been forced to go around Africa's Cape of Good Hope since late 2023 due to security risks; this has both extended duration and 'effectively' squeezed capacity on the Asia-Europe line.
Another critical detail Reuters gave in the same scope is this: According to BIMCO's chief analyst, full normalization of the route could create an effect that could reduce global transportation demand by approximately 10%; this could prepare the ground for freight pressure to relax.
Developments on CMA CGM Side
There's also a notable picture on the CMA CGM side. Reuters wrote that two CMA CGM ships passed through Suez and that the company plans to reuse the Suez route in its INDAMEX service on the India-US line as of January 2026. This shows that 'return tests' are beginning to reflect in commercial plans as well.
What Does It Mean for Turkey?
So what does this development mean for importers/exporters in Turkey? If gradual return continues, shortening of transit times and relaxation of ship/equipment cycles are possible, especially in Asia-Mediterranean/Europe flow. But there are two realities at the same time:
- First, companies are still 'cautious' and route decisions can change very quickly.
- Second, since the return will be gradual, a 'hybrid period' is likely to be experienced for a while; that is, some services may continue to go from Suez, some from Cape of Good Hope. This mixed period will be the biggest reason for seeing very different time/price scenarios for the same route when collecting quotes.
TG Foreign Trade and Logistics Recommendation
As TG Foreign Trade and Logistics, the approach we most recommend in this period is this: instead of locking into a single plan, setting up a two-scenario plan for the same shipment (target time via Suez + safe alternative via Cape of Good Hope). We also reflect this in the quote format: not just 'price' but drawing a transparent picture together with time window and possible additional cost risks. Such periods become periods where 'those with good plans' win the most.