Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), has called on international shipping lines to resume their operations through the Canal as regional conditions show signs of stabilization and navigational safety improves. The appeal was made during a meeting with representatives of 20 global shipping lines and agencies at the SCA headquarters in Ismailia on 4 November 2025.
Admiral Rabiee stated that the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit contributed significantly to easing tensions in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb region, supporting the return of more vessels to the Canal. In October alone, 229 ships resumed transit—the highest monthly figure since the beginning of the crisis.
From July to October 2025, a total of 4,405 vessels with a combined tonnage of 185 million tonnes passed through the Canal, compared to 4,332 vessels carrying 167.6 million tonnes during the same period last year. These figures indicate a relative recovery in maritime traffic through the Canal.
Admiral Rabiee reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to maintaining direct communication with shipping companies to coordinate sailing schedules and ensure mutual interests are met. He also highlighted the completion of the Southern Sector Development Project and the deepening of the 17-kilometre western branch of Port Said, which has strengthened navigation safety and operational readiness.
The meeting was attended by Admiral Ashraf Atwa, Deputy Chairman of the SCA, who acknowledged the crucial role of shipping agencies in maintaining coordination between the Authority and global operators. Representatives from major lines, including CMA CGM, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC, expressed optimism about the current maritime environment and their plans to increase the number of Suez Canal voyages.
CMA CGM’s Egypt & Sudan Cluster CEO, Mr. Tariq Zaghloul, reaffirmed the long-term partnership between the company and the SCA, noting that the Canal remains a central route in the group’s operations. CMA CGM has already resumed the passage of two large container ships, each with a cargo capacity exceeding 170,000 tonnes.
Participants discussed a range of proposals, including incentive schemes to encourage more transits, coordination with international maritime organizations, and increased communication about positive developments in the region. Several attendees emphasized the need to address the high cost of marine insurance and continue reassuring the international maritime community.
Admiral Rabiee concluded the meeting by confirming that all submitted proposals will be reviewed promptly and renewed his invitation for shipping lines to conduct trial voyages of their container ships through the Suez Canal to reinforce confidence in the waterway as a safe and reliable route.
