Shipping Arabia, October 30, 2026 – The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and Greece have discussed opportunities to expand Suez Canal maritime cooperation in industrial activities and logistics services, with a focus on attracting Greek investment to projects in the Canal region.
The discussions took place during a meeting between SCA Chairman and Managing Director Adm. Ossama Rabiee and Greek Ambassador to Egypt Nikolaos Papageorgiou. The meeting was held at the authority’s headquarters, the Al-Irshad building in Ismailia.
Both sides highlighted opportunities to strengthen economic and commercial relations through maritime industry partnerships, logistics development and the exchange of technical expertise.
Suez Canal Authority Invites Greek Maritime Investment
Rabiee emphasized the importance of building on the close relationship between Egypt and Greece to expand cooperation in maritime industries and logistics services. He expressed his interest in strengthening partnerships that would support the exchange of expertise between the two countries.
The SCA chairman invited Greek companies operating in these sectors to explore cooperation opportunities with the authority. He highlighted the SCA’s development into an industrial base encompassing numerous affiliated shipyards and companies involved in maritime and industrial activities.
These capabilities provide potential areas for cooperation with Greek businesses seeking opportunities in the Suez Canal region. The discussions also reflected the two countries’ shared interest in expanding their maritime and commercial relationships.
Suez Canal Development and Maritime Competitiveness
Rabiee outlined the authority’s efforts to strengthen the Suez Canal’s competitiveness through the introduction of new maritime services and activities. These initiatives form part of a comprehensive development strategy that also includes improvements to the waterway and modernization of the SCA’s fleet of marine units.
He also highlighted the Canal’s ability to respond to successive crises and operational challenges. According to Rabiee, cooperation with organizations and stakeholders across the international maritime community has played an important role in maintaining the continuity of global supply chains.
The SCA chairman emphasized that continued development of maritime services and industrial capabilities remains central to the authority’s strategy.
Greece Reaffirms Suez Canal’s Importance to Global Trade
For his part, Ambassador Papageorgiou praised the progress achieved in the Canal’s maritime and logistics services. He described its development as an ongoing success story despite unprecedented challenges and turbulent conditions affecting maritime transport.
The ambassador reaffirmed that the Suez Canal remains a key pillar of the international maritime transport industry and an indispensable artery of global trade.
He also stressed the importance of greater geopolitical stability in the region. According to Papageorgiou, stable regional conditions are essential for maintaining steady vessel traffic through the Canal and supporting the sustainability of global supply chains.
Strengthening Egypt-Greece Economic Relations
Papageorgiou emphasized that relations between Egypt and Greece are strategic and rooted in deep historical ties. He expressed his commitment to strengthening economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries in the coming period.
A central priority, he explained, is attracting additional investment to projects in the Suez Canal region, particularly through closer engagement with businesses operating in relevant sectors.
The discussions highlighted the potential for broader Suez Canal maritime cooperation between Egypt and Greece, particularly in maritime industries, shipyard activities and logistics services.
Source: Suez Canal Authority