Maersk Sends Two Large Container Ships Through Suez Canal

Credit: Suez Canal Authority

Two of Maersk’s largest container ships passed through the Suez Canal together on August 22, Maritime Executive reports. The move is part of Maersk’s efforts to return more vessels to the Suez-Red Sea route and improve sailing efficiency.

The 2015-built Mathilde Maersk led the northbound convoy. The 19,076-TEU ship was heading to Colombo and then the Far East. The Bangkok Maersk followed and made its first Suez Canal transit. The dual-fuel vessel was sailing from Italy to Singapore and can operate on methanol.

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are also moving more services back to the Suez-Red Sea route. Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc said the company would continue to monitor security conditions as more ships return.

The Suez Canal can save up to 14 days compared with sailing around Africa. On August 22, 57 vessels passed through the canal, with a combined net tonnage of about 2.8m tonnes.

Other major carriers are also increasing their use of the canal. MSC has reportedly sent seven ships through the route, while CMA CGM has recorded 199 canal transits since the start of 2026, compared with 212 for all of 2025.

Global News

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A. P. MOLLER MAERSK

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