Major Shipping Lines Increase and Consider Return to Suez Canal Transits
Shipping Arabia, September 30, 2026 – Major shipping lines are increasing or considering a return to Suez Canal transits as more maritime services resume using the waterway, according to discussions between the Suez Canal Authority and representatives of 20 major shipping lines and shipping agencies.
Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, said flexible pricing policies and effective communication with customers have contributed to the return of a significant number of maritime services operated by major shipping lines. He also stressed that readiness and preparedness levels across the Canal’s operational system have been elevated, while navigation continues to proceed smoothly.
The meeting was held at the SCA’s headquarters in the Irshad Building in Ismailia. It was attended by senior Authority officials, including SCA deputy chairmen Admiral Ashraf Atwa and Admiral Ahmed Khaled, along with board members and senior officials.
Suez Canal Transits Increase Among Major Carriers
The meeting formed part of the SCA’s regular engagement with stakeholders across the maritime sector. These include international organizations, major shipping lines, international chambers of shipping, shipping agencies and other relevant entities.
Rabiee described shipping line and agency representatives as important partners and a key link in maintaining communication with major carriers. He said the SCA remains ready to discuss ways of supporting its customers and has continued modernizing its navigational and maritime services to meet vessel requirements under both normal and emergency conditions.
He also encouraged customers to provide feedback on the Authority’s new maritime and logistics services through evaluation channels available on the SCA website. The objective, he said, is to maintain high standards of service quality and operational efficiency.
CMA CGM Group in Egypt and Sudan CEO Tarek Zaghloul said the carrier has continued transiting the Suez Canal since Red Sea tensions began. He reported that 60 CMA CGM vessels passed through the Canal during September, reflecting the carrier’s continued use of the route.
A.P. Moller-Maersk Group Representative in the Middle East and North Africa Hany El Nady also highlighted an increase in the company’s Suez Canal activity. He said Maersk transits rose from eight vessels in September 2025 to 67 in September 2026 and expected yearly transits to reach 278 in the future.
Yang Ming, OOCL and COSCO Consider More Canal Traffic
Several other carriers indicated that they are considering renewed or increased Suez Canal transits.
Ashraf Sami, General Manager of Branches at Yang Ming, praised the SCA’s infrastructure development, modernization of its maritime fleet and efforts to improve workforce efficiency. He said Yang Ming is seriously considering returning to Suez Canal transits in the near future.
Abd El-Aziz Nabil, General Manager of maritime agency INCHCAPE, said OOCL intends to return to the Canal. He expected the carrier to conduct an experimental transit during October.
COSCO General Manager Hany El-Sallamy said the carrier is considering increasing its voyages through the Canal following a successful transit by one of its container ships a few days earlier. He added that three further COSCO vessels are scheduled to transit the Canal during the coming period.
Mohamed El-Alfy, General Manager of Gulf Agency Company, said the current period is showing positive signs as a number of maritime services operated by major shipping lines return. He also expressed expectations for higher traffic levels through the Canal in the coming period.
SCA Highlights Readiness and Crisis Monitoring
Rabiee emphasized the Canal’s operational readiness and said SCA pilots continue to demonstrate high levels of performance and preparedness.
He also addressed the impact of geopolitical challenges on the maritime industry. According to Rabiee, regional developments have affected the sustainability of global supply chains and contributed to higher fuel prices, freight rates and insurance premiums, increasing pressure on global maritime transport.
The SCA’s Crisis Management Center is monitoring regional developments around the clock and assessing their potential impact on Canal navigation. The Authority’s Economic Research Unit within the Planning Department is also evaluating these developments.
Participants discussed the regional situation and its effects on navigation schedules and operational plans. They also explored ways to strengthen future cooperation between the Authority, shipping lines and maritime agencies.
Shipping Agencies Back SCA Services and Shipyard Capabilities
Rear Admiral Ehab El Banan, Chairman of Clarkson Shipping Agency Company, praised the SCA’s approach of consulting shipping lines and maritime agencies and exchanging views with them. He said this cooperation supports the development of a shared vision and decisions that serve mutual interests.
El Banan also expressed hope for greater regional stability, which he said would support recovery and growth in Canal navigation. He described the Suez Canal as the shortest and most cost-effective maritime route.
Adel Ellameey, a member of parliament and Chairman of the Port Said Navigation Chamber, praised the Authority’s crisis management efforts and the quality of its services, particularly ship maintenance and repair. He proposed exploring an expansion of navigational services through cooperation between the SCA and private shipping agencies.
Ellameey also proposed that the Authority organize a global maritime conference bringing together major stakeholders from across the maritime community. The proposed event would also provide an opportunity to promote the SCA’s range of services.
Wassim Shukri, Director of the Canal region at maritime agency WILHELMSEN, praised the Authority’s efforts to upgrade services offered to transiting ships. He highlighted mooring, maintenance and repair services and referred to maintenance and repair work carried out on the vessel RED ZED at Suez Shipyard Co.
Wider Maritime Industry Participation
The meeting also included representatives of SPHINX, LETH, NOATUM MARITIME, ARKAS, FENMAR, MEDLEVANT, Damanhour Shipping Agency and Assiut Shipping Agency. Representatives from shipping lines ONE and EVERGREEN also participated.
The broad attendance formed part of the SCA’s ongoing engagement with shipping companies and maritime service providers as it seeks to maintain direct communication with Canal users.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Rabiee reiterated the Suez Canal’s readiness to deal with difficult situations and emergencies. He also stressed the Authority’s ability to meet customer expectations and operational requirements as shipping lines reassess their routing through the Canal.
Source: Suez Canal Authority
