According to Alphaliner, Maersk will resume its seasonal fruit export service on January 27. The maiden voyage will depart from Puerto San Antonio, Argentina, transit through Montevideo, Uruguay, and deliver cargo to global markets. Operating weekly, the route utilizes the 1,762 TEU vessel AS Sabine, equipped with 492 reefer plugs, specifically for transporting apples and pears from northern Patagonia. Due to the smaller size of Puerto San Antonio's terminal and its lack of shore cranes, the service relies on vessels with onboard cargo handling equipment.

Meanwhile, despite easing tensions in the Red Sea, shipping recovery remains sluggish. BIMCO data shows Suez Canal traffic in the first week of 2026 declined 60% compared to the same period in 2023. Although Houthi forces announced a halt to attacks in mid-November 2025 and war risk premiums have dropped to 0.2%, shipping companies remain cautious. Throughout 2025, container ship transits declined by 86% year-on-year, while bulk carriers and tankers dropped by 55% and 19%, respectively.

Notably, CMA CGM has partially resumed Suez Canal routes, and Maersk dispatched the “Sebarock” through the canal last December, signaling positive developments. However, a full return remains contingent on security assessments. Should canal shipping gradually normalize, it would reduce global logistics costs but could also compress vessel demand—particularly for container ships, which may see a nearly 10% reduction.

Overall, regional agricultural exports are progressing according to seasonal rhythms, while geopolitical risks continue to impact major global shipping routes. This pattern of “localized activity amid cautious trunk lines” may persist for some time.