Rerouting of ME11 and MECL Service around The Cape of Good Hope

Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following the escalating military conflict, we have decided – in close coordination with our 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 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 conditions again permit, we 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.

Acceptance for cargo to the Middle East area remains open.

Sailing through the Strait of Hormuz
The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority. We are 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. 

Looking for more information?
We will continue to keep you updated on the situation, via our Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Hormuz Strait situation page. Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.