Monday, 25 May 2026
© Val Traveller / Adobe Stock
Suez Canal sees traffic rebound as Red Sea stability returns
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has reported positive indicators signaling a recovery in maritime traffic through the canal, driven by restored security and stability in the Red Sea region following the successful Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit in October 2025.
In a wide-ranging meeting held at the SCA headquarters in Ismailia, SCA Chairman Admiral Osama Rabie met with representatives from 20 major shipping lines and agencies. The session, attended by SCA Vice Chairman Rear Admiral Ashraf Atwa and other board members, aimed to strengthen coordination with clients on future sailing schedules amid improving conditions around Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea.
Admiral Rabie thanked the shipping community for their ongoing partnership and highlighted Egypt’s pivotal diplomatic role under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. He credited the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit with successfully restoring security and stability, sending reassuring messages to the global maritime sector about freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
He emphasized that conditions are now strongly favorable for shipping lines to resume full transits via the canal—the optimal and most sustainable route for east-west global trade. Rabie noted tangible improvements in the first half of fiscal year 2025/2026, with transiting vessels up 5.8%, net tonnage up 16%, and revenues rising 18.5% compared to the same period in 2024/2025.
Current indicators, he added, point to further revenue growth in the coming period, particularly as some major lines return following regional stabilization.
Rabie reviewed ongoing development efforts, including the southern sector expansion and dualization project, alongside new navigational services to enhance safety and efficiency.
Representatives from shipping agencies and lines echoed optimism.
They praised the SCA’s continuous upgrades, marketing policies, and incentives, such as a 15% discount for container ships with 130,000 tons or more (laden or empty). Several noted that major operators like Maersk and CMA CGM have resumed select services through the canal, viewing this as a strong confidence signal.
Participants highlighted an “imminent breakthrough,” with many major lines studying trial transits and anticipating a denser return in 2026. They stressed the canal’s irreplaceable role, especially given the high costs of rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, and called for additional targeted incentives, better communication, and possibly an international conference to reinforce positive messaging.
Proposals included incentives tied to vessel volumes or deck counts for large container ships, as well as training programs for agents to promote the canal globally.
Admiral Rabie affirmed that the SCA is studying these suggestions and remains committed to direct engagement, incentives, and development to accelerate full recovery.
The meeting reflects growing consensus that Egypt’s diplomatic achievements have paved the way for the canal to reap economic benefits soon, supporting global supply chains and trade efficiency.