Hapag-Lloyd chief executive Rolf Habben Jansen said there is no set timeline for resuming use of the Suez Canal, and any return will be gradual, reported Reuters.

Since November 2023, shipping companies have diverted vessels around Africa to avoid attacks in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi forces, who said they were acting in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza war.

Hapag-Lloyd and rival Maersk last week stressed caution on a possible return strategy following the October ceasefire, saying they were monitoring security conditions.

Mr Habben Jansen told customers in an online call that once resumption begins, there will be a 60 to 90-day transition period to adjust logistics and avoid congestion. He said updates will be shared when available.

The two carriers earlier formed the Gemini network to cut costs and improve schedule reliability.

Mr Habben Jansen noted demand in November was strong after a weak October, particularly in exports from China.

Hapag-Lloyd last month reported a 50 per cent drop in nine-month net profit and lowered its full-year forecast, citing volatile markets. The CEO pledged strict cost controls and said improvements would continue under the Gemini regime.