Suez Canal Authority, Thailand Explore Dredging and Maritime Training Cooperation
Shipping Arabia, September 19, 2026 – The Suez Canal Authority and Thailand are exploring cooperation in dredging, maritime training and other marine services, as the authority seeks to expand the international reach of expertise developed through operating one of the world’s busiest maritime waterways.
SCA Chairman and Managing Director Adm. Ossama Rabiee discussed the potential cooperation with Lertsak Pattanachaikul, Second Deputy Speaker of Thailand’s House of Representatives, during a meeting at the authority’s Al-Irshad headquarters in Ismailia on September 14.
The Thai delegation also included Thanawat Sirikul, Thailand’s Ambassador to Egypt, representatives of the House of Representatives and embassy officials.
Pattanachaikul said Thailand was interested in strengthening cooperation with the SCA and drawing on its long-standing experience in dredging and training, while Rabiee confirmed the authority’s readiness to begin practical cooperation through the Suez Canal Academy for Maritime Training and Simulation.
The meeting also covered the SCA’s expanding maritime activities beyond vessel transit. Rabiee highlighted efforts to localize the construction of marine units for operations in the canal and Egyptian ports, while developing opportunities to export locally built units to overseas markets.
The authority has also expanded its portfolio of maritime services, including ship repair and maintenance, marine salvage, water ambulance services, pollution control and waste collection, as part of efforts to diversify revenue and provide additional support to vessels using the canal.
Rabiee said the Suez Canal continues to perform its role as a critical maritime link between Asia and Europe despite challenges affecting regional shipping, emphasizing its importance to the continuity of global supply chains.
Sirikul said potential cooperation could extend beyond technical maritime activities to include maritime and cultural tourism, broadening the scope of engagement between Thailand and the canal authority.
The discussions come as the SCA increasingly looks to leverage its experience in dredging, shipbuilding, training and specialized marine services alongside its core role managing the Suez Canal.
Source: Suez Canal Authority
