Shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk has announced the resumption of its WAF6 service through the Red Sea, significantly shortening transit times between the Middle East and West Africa. Previously, vessels were forced to divert around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid security threats from Houthi militants, leading to weeks of delays. This return to the Suez corridor, which handles a portion of Nigeria’s $9 billion annual trade with the Middle East, is expected to improve supply chain efficiency for essential imports like refined petroleum products and industrial machinery. While Maersk will continue monitoring the security situation, the move offers a shorter alternative for Nigerian shippers compared to the extended South African route.