Suez Canal Invites Shipping Companies Back Following Best Month in Two Years
11/7/2025, 10:09:54 PM
The Suez Canal Authority Chairman, Admiral Ossama Rabiee, announced that 229 ships returned to use the Suez Canal in October, the highest monthly rate since the onset of the Red Sea crisis. He attributes this improvement to the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit's positive impact on regional tensions.
Notably, the meeting held at the SCA headquarters in Ismailia included representatives from 20 shipping lines and agencies, focusing on changes in the Bab el-Mandeb and Red Sea regions and their impact on international trade and maritime transportation.
Key participants included the Authority's Deputy Chairman, Admiral Ashraf Atwa, alongside several board members.
Current Traffic Patterns in the Suez Canal
According to Admiral Rabiee, the Canal's traffic data revealed a noticeable improvement in the number and tonnage of vessels over the previous few months when compared to the previous year.
In comparison to 4,332 vessels carrying 167.6 million tonnes over the same period in 2024, 4,405 vessels totalling 185 million tonnes travelled through the Canal between July and October 2025.
He clarified that by deepening the 17-kilometre western branch of Port Said and finishing the Southern Sector Development Project, the Authority has improved navigational safety. In addition to providing an alternate route in an emergency, this expansion serves the West Port, Said Port.
Moreover, the SCA Chairman highlighted the Authority's commitment to open communication with shipping firms to improve collaboration and assist the global maritime sector, encouraging all shipping lines to undertake trial voyages of their container ships through the Suez Canal.
Besides, Admiral Ashraf Atwa praised shipping agencies for their crucial role in connecting the Authority with international shipping lines and emphasised the SCA's dedication to meeting client expectations and enhancing services.
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Stakeholder Collaboration & its Value
The Chairman of Clarkson, Rear Admiral Ehab El-Bannan, congratulated the Authority for its continuous engagement with stakeholders and suggested introducing incentives pertaining to vessel numbers and tonnage to encourage more transits.
According to a Maersk official, the group intends to boost its investments in Egypt.
Likewise, representatives from several organisations, notably the Gulf Agency, asked the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to work together to offer the global maritime community favourable information on the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb region.
A Wilhelmsen official proposed new incentives to attract oil tankers, cargo ships, and bulk carriers with flexible sailing dates. LETH Egypt and Noatum Maritime commended the SCA's marketing and pricing initiatives, stating that more vessels will return to the Canal in the coming months.
Furthermore, some participants noted that high marine insurance costs present a significant challenge for shipping lines. Representatives from Yang Ming recommended collaborating with insurance companies and the International Chamber of Shipping to reassess risk evaluations for vessels navigating the Red Sea.
Representatives from MSC, COSCO, and other shipping lines anticipate an increase in southbound vessels returning as the region stabilises.
At last, numerous participants acknowledged that the Authority's upgrading of its fleet and services improved operational efficiency and strengthened the Suez Canal's reputation.
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