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Maersk Disputes Report of Red Sea Transit

Maersk has refuted claims that one of its vessels recently navigated the Red Sea-Suez Canal corridor, a route largely abandoned by major carriers since late 2023 due to Houthi attacks originating from Yemen. The world's second-largest container operator declined to confirm the assertion, stating it cannot verify the report. Most shipping lines have opted for lengthier African diversions, adding roughly two weeks to typical Asia-Europe voyages. Suez Canal traffic and revenue showed modest gains in early 2026, with 1,315 vessels transiting and $449 million in tolls collected January-February, compared to 1,243 vessels and $368 million in the same 2025 period. Canal revenues remain severely depressed following 2024's sharp decline to $4 billion from $10.25 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, four confirmed hijackings occurred off Somalia's coast this year, with three vessels and crews remaining captive.