A.P. Moller–Maersk has confirmed the first permanent structural return of a major container service to the trans-Suez route, marking the most significant step yet toward restoring traffic through the Red Sea corridor after nearly two years of disruption. The Danish carrier announced that its Middle East–India–U.S. East Coast (MECL) service will resume routing via the Suez Canal following successful trial transits by Maersk Sebarok and Maersk Denver. The first westbound sailing under the restored structure will be Cornelia Maersk, departing Jebel Ali on January 15, with the eastbound return leg beginning from North Charleston on January 10. Maersk emphasized that crew and cargo safety remains paramount and said the decision is contingent on continued regional stability. The move comes amid tentative signs of recovery in Suez Canal traffic following a Gaza ceasefire in October 2025, though most carriers remain cautious, with Cape of Good Hope diversions still elevated. As an industry bellwether, Maersk’s return is being closely watched as a potential inflection point for broader normalization of Red Sea shipping—or a limited test amid lingering security risks.