Danish shipping group Maersk said on Monday that one of the services operated under its Gemini Cooperation network with Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd will resume transiting the Suez Canal instead of sailing around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.

Shipping companies have been considering a return to the vital Asia–Europe trade corridor after vessels were rerouted around Africa in recent years following attacks in the Red Sea. Yemen’s Houthi group said the attacks were carried out in support of Palestinians.

In a related development, Hapag-Lloyd said its SE3 service would immediately resume sailing via the Red Sea route rather than diverting around the Cape of Good Hope.

The German shipping company said the safety of its crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains its top priority, adding that it will continue to closely monitor developments in the region.

Hapag-Lloyd said it would inform affected customers of any significant changes to operational routes or navigational conditions.

Maersk said in a statement that the joint decision with Hapag-Lloyd followed comprehensive assessments of the security situation in the Red Sea region and represents a step toward the gradual return to the Suez Canal corridor.