Suez Canal Traffic Recovery Accelerates as Weekly Tonnage Rises 35%
Shipping Arabia, November 2, 2026 – The Suez Canal traffic recovery has gained momentum, with 305 cargo vessels transiting the waterway during October 19–25, 2026, carrying a combined tonnage of 27.6 million tons. According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, the latest figures represent a 35% increase over the average weekly tonnage recorded in October 2025.
The data, released on October 29, indicates a significant improvement in shipping activity through the Egyptian waterway. However, despite the recovery, transit tonnage remained 36% below levels recorded before the Houthi-related Red Sea shipping crisis.
The figures highlight the progress made in restoring vessel traffic through the Suez Canal while demonstrating that shipping activity has yet to return to pre-crisis levels.
Ultra-Large Container Ships Lead Suez Canal Traffic Recovery
One of the most notable developments has been the increase in transits by ultra-large and megamax container ships.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, more than 100 vessels in these categories have passed through the Suez Canal since the beginning of September 2026.
This figure has already exceeded the combined 99 transits recorded by ultra-large and megamax container ships throughout 2025 and the first eight months of 2026.
The increase represents a significant change in the movement of large container vessels through the Canal compared with the preceding 20-month period.
The latest statistics also suggest that the Suez Canal traffic recovery is becoming more evident in the large container ship segment, although overall transit tonnage remains below pre-crisis levels.
Europe-to-Asia Shipping Routes Support Recovery
Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported that much of the shipping traffic currently transiting the Suez Canal consists of vessels traveling from Europe toward Asian ports.
These vessels pass through the Mediterranean, Suez Canal and Red Sea before continuing toward their Asian destinations.
This routing offers an alternative to services sailing from Europe around the Cape of Good Hope, across the Indian Ocean and onward to Asian ports.
For container shipping operators, using the Suez Canal can provide operational advantages when passage through the Red Sea is considered safe.
A safe return to the Suez route can reduce sailing distances, fuel consumption and voyage durations compared with the longer journey around southern Africa.
However, Lloyd’s List Intelligence noted that individual shipping companies continue to determine their routing decisions according to their specific services and operational requirements.
Suez Canal Tonnage Remains Below Pre-Crisis Levels
Despite the improvement in weekly traffic and the increase in large container ship transits, the latest figures indicate that the Suez Canal has not yet fully recovered from the disruption associated with the Red Sea crisis.
The 35% increase in weekly tonnage compared with October 2025 demonstrates the scale of the recent improvement. Nevertheless, the remaining 36% shortfall against pre-crisis levels underscores the difference between the current recovery and a complete return to previous traffic volumes.
Future routing decisions by container shipping companies will remain an important factor in determining how much traffic continues to move through the Suez Canal rather than around the Cape of Good Hope.
Source: Al Mal News