Suez Canal Authority

Shipping Arabia, October 13, 2026 – The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and Panama are exploring closer cooperation in maritime marketing, training and information exchange as geopolitical and environmental challenges continue to affect global shipping and supply chains. The discussions aim to strengthen coordination between the Suez and Panama canals and support the continuity of international maritime trade.

SCA Chairman Admiral Osama Rabie met with Panama’s Ambassador to Egypt, Ricardo Isaza, on October 5 at the authority’s Pilotage Building in Ismailia. The meeting focused on opportunities to expand cooperation between the two waterways and address challenges affecting the sustainability of global supply chains.

Suez and Panama Canal Cooperation Targets Maritime Challenges

During the meeting, Rabie emphasized the importance of collective action among stakeholders in the maritime industry to ensure the regular movement of vessels through international waterways. He stressed that closer coordination is essential to maintaining reliable navigation and supporting sustainable global supply chains.

The SCA chairman expressed his readiness to strengthen the authority’s partnership with the Panama Canal. He highlighted the shared characteristics and interests of the two waterways as a foundation for closer institutional cooperation, knowledge exchange and collaboration in new areas.

Rabie also addressed the growing importance of crisis management in the SCA’s institutional strategy. He explained that successive regional and international challenges have made crisis management an integral part of the authority’s operations, particularly given their direct impact on international trade passing through the Suez Canal.

The discussions also considered the effects of current geopolitical and environmental challenges on global supply chains. Both sides recognized the importance of cooperation between major international shipping corridors in responding to developments affecting maritime transport.

Suez Canal Diversifies Revenue Through Shipbuilding and Maritime Services

Rabie highlighted the Suez Canal Authority’s efforts to diversify its revenue sources beyond traditional canal operations. He explained that the authority has achieved progress by localizing the construction of various types of marine vessels and units at SCA shipyards and affiliated companies.

The authority has also introduced a new range of maritime and logistics services as part of its strategy to strengthen the Suez Canal’s competitive position.

According to Rabie, these initiatives reflect the authority’s efforts to adapt to changing conditions in the global maritime industry. They form part of a broader approach to addressing operational challenges while developing additional activities and services within the SCA’s existing capabilities.

The chairman reiterated his interest in expanding cooperation with the Panama Canal through the exchange of practical expertise and the exploration of new areas of collaboration. He emphasized that the common interests of the two waterways provide opportunities for greater coordination and integration.

Panama Seeks Stronger Partnerships in Marketing, Training and Information Exchange

For his part, Ambassador Isaza expressed appreciation for the longstanding cooperation between Panama and the Suez Canal. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding bilateral engagement, particularly in maritime marketing, professional training, information exchange and the sharing of institutional expertise.

The ambassador also welcomed Egyptian diplomatic and governmental efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Suez and Panama canals. He expressed confidence that the coming period would bring further constructive collaboration, reflecting the interest of both countries in deepening their relationship.

Isaza emphasized the Suez Canal’s importance to global supply chain sustainability, describing it as a major component of international maritime transport that continues to attract considerable attention from the shipping community.

He also highlighted the need for greater integration and cooperation between the two canals as the maritime transport industry faces a range of challenges. According to the ambassador, the alignment of fundamental principles underpinning the strategies of both waterways provides a strong basis for developing their relationship.

The discussions underscored the mutual interest of Egypt and Panama in expanding maritime cooperation through institutional partnerships, shared expertise and closer coordination between their respective canal authorities.

Source: Suez Canal Authority

Shipping Arabia, October 8, 2026 – The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and Kenya’s Tunasco are exploring a partnership focused on port development and marine construction in Kenya, including the potential establishment of a specialized company to undertake projects in the East African country.

Adm. Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, discussed the proposal with Tunasco Chairman Abdul Wali Sharif during a meeting at the authority’s headquarters in Ismailia.

The talks focused on opportunities for cooperation in the construction and development of ports in Kenya as the SCA seeks to expand its activities into African markets and contribute to regional development initiatives.

Proposed company for port and marine construction projects

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the possibility of forming a partnership between Tunasco and the Suez Canal Authority through Timsah Shipbuilding Company, one of the authority’s affiliated companies.

Under the proposal, the partners would establish a specialized company to operate in port works and marine construction in Kenya.

The meeting was also attended by Abdel Hakim Zakaria, Director of the Companies Department; Ahmed Ibrahim, Chairman of Timsah Shipbuilding Company; and Maj. Gen. Ehab Abdel Fattah and Maj. Gen. Assem El-Safty, board members of the Kenyan-Egyptian company.

SCA targets wider African markets

Rabiee said the Suez Canal Authority aims to open new markets across Africa and participate actively in development efforts based on the strategic interests and partnership relations linking Egypt with African countries.

He said the authority is ready to contribute to the development of Kenya’s marine infrastructure and transfer its expertise in sectors connected with maritime activity.

Potential areas of cooperation include port development, marine construction, dredging, shipbuilding, maritime unit construction and training.

The discussions therefore extend beyond port construction alone, with the SCA positioning its technical and operational capabilities across several maritime fields as part of the proposed cooperation.

Tunasco seeks access to SCA expertise

Sharif said Tunasco is looking to establish close cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority and benefit from its technical capabilities, human resources and extensive experience across different maritime activities.

He said cooperation with the SCA has been welcomed by the Kenyan government, particularly amid closer Egyptian-Kenyan relations over the past five years.

According to Sharif, the coming period is expected to include bilateral meetings with several Kenyan government officials. These discussions are intended to establish a general framework for cooperation and begin the steps required for implementation.

Tunasco brings local presence in Kenya

Tunasco has a local presence in Kenya and is involved in multiple infrastructure development projects.

The company’s position in the Kenyan market, combined with the SCA’s technical capabilities and the participation of Timsah Shipbuilding Company, forms the basis of the proposed partnership under discussion.

The talks remain focused on establishing a framework for cooperation in Kenya, with further government-level discussions expected before implementation steps begin.

Source: Suez Canal Authority

Shipping Arabia, October 7, 2026 – Timsah Shipbuilding tugboats took center stage at a ceremony in Ismailia as the Suez Canal Authority launched three new vessels and marked the start of construction of five additional tugs for the Red Sea Ports Authority. Suez Canal Authority Chairman Adm. Ossama Rabiee attended the ceremony at Timsah Shipbuilding Co., an SCA affiliate, as the authority continues expanding domestic construction and repair capabilities for marine units.

The program included the launch of Khedma 1 for Damietta Port Authority, Azima 11 for the Suez Canal Authority and Ezz El Din Younes 2 for Canal Harbor & Great Projects Co. Rabiee also witnessed the keel-laying of five new tugboats being built for the Red Sea Ports Authority.

The Suez Canal Authority said the work forms part of its efforts to develop the capabilities of its affiliated shipyards and companies, localize marine-unit construction and meet operational requirements at the Suez Canal and Egyptian ports.

Three Timsah Shipbuilding Tugboats Launched

The ceremony began with the launch of Khedma 1, which Timsah Shipbuilding Co. is building for Damietta Port Authority.

The tug measures 18.6 meters in overall length and 6.9 meters in beam, with a fully loaded draft of 2.2 meters. It has a bollard pull of 20 tons and a maximum speed of 10 knots.

Timsah then launched Azima 11 for the Suez Canal Authority. The third vessel launched was Ezz El Din Younes 2, which is being built for Canal Harbor & Great Projects Co., another SCA affiliate.

The two tugs share similar technical specifications. Each measures 18.6 meters in overall length and 6.9 meters in beam, with a fully loaded draft of 2.2 meters. Both have a bollard pull of 12 tons and a maximum speed of 11 knots.

The launch ceremony was attended by senior Suez Canal Authority officials and representatives of the maritime authorities receiving the vessels, including Red Sea Ports Authority Chairman Maj. Gen. Mohamed Abdel Rahim and Damietta Port Authority Chairman Rear Adm. Tarek Adly.

Five New Tugs Begin Construction for Red Sea Ports Authority

Following the three launches, Rabiee witnessed the keel-laying of five additional tugboats at Timsah Shipbuilding Co., marking the start of their construction for the Red Sea Ports Authority.

The five-vessel program includes two tugboats with a bollard pull of 70 tons and three with a bollard pull of 20 tons. The vessels are being built as part of efforts to modernize towage and pilotage capabilities.

Red Sea Ports Authority Chairman Maj. Gen. Mohamed Abdel Rahim said the authority is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Timsah Shipbuilding Co. for the construction of additional tugboats and marine launches as its operational requirements increase.

Rabiee later met Abdel Rahim and Damietta Port Authority Chairman Rear Adm. Tarek Adly to review the schedule for completing the remaining work and discuss future cooperation.

Adly praised the efficiency, quality and discipline of the construction work. He also described the Azima tug design as a distinctive model with several operational advantages.

Repair Work Underway on Damietta Port and SCZONE Tugs

Alongside the newbuild program, Rabiee reviewed repair and maintenance work carried out by Timsah Shipbuilding Co. on three Damietta Port Authority tugboats.

The three vessels — Abu Gandia, Abu Zeid and Hedaya — each have a bollard pull of 60 tons. The maintenance program aims to improve their efficiency and enable them to continue performing their assigned marine duties at the port.

Timsah Shipbuilding Co. is also carrying out maintenance and repair work on Misr Al Mahrousa, a 25-ton bollard pull tug belonging to the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

The combination of new construction and repair work reflects the range of marine-unit projects currently being undertaken at the company for several Egyptian maritime authorities.

SCA Expands Domestic Marine Construction Capacity

Rabiee said the Suez Canal Authority has restructured its affiliated companies and diversified their activities, enabling them to move from losses to profitability while strengthening their role in marine industries and logistics services.

He said Timsah Shipbuilding Co. has increased its output of different types of marine units, reaching 42 vessels built since 2019.

According to Rabiee, the SCA will continue expanding tugboat and marine-unit construction and repair capacity across its affiliated companies. The authority aims to make greater use of available technical and human capabilities while meeting the requirements of the Suez Canal and Egyptian ports through domestic construction rather than overseas procurement.

He added that development of Egypt’s marine fleet remains a strategic priority across the authority’s companies and shipyards.

Rabiee said Timsah Shipbuilding Co.’s marine construction and logistics capabilities complement broader efforts to localize marine industries, including activities at the South Red Sea shipyard.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the SCA chairman praised Timsah Shipbuilding Co. employees for their work and called for continued development of the company’s capabilities to strengthen its ability to compete in regional and international markets.

Source: Suez Canal Authority

Shipping Arabia, October 4, 2026 – The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) has concluded a specialized port security and operations training program focused on strengthening the strategic security and operation of seaports amid geopolitical changes, with 30 participants from Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia.

The program was organized in cooperation with the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development under the STREAM initiative launched by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. It formed part of efforts to transfer expertise and build capacity across Arab and African countries, particularly those bordering the Red Sea.

AASTMT delivered the course as an integrated program combining theoretical instruction with practical training. The curriculum addressed operational and security challenges facing ports while introducing participants to technologies that can strengthen efficiency and preparedness.

Port security and operations training covers emerging risks

The training addressed several areas directly linked to the security and resilience of maritime ports. Key topics included risk and crisis management, cybersecurity and business continuity.

Participants also examined the use of automation and artificial intelligence in port operations. These technologies were presented in the context of improving operational efficiency and strengthening ports’ readiness to respond to emerging challenges.

The course reflected AASTMT’s focus on maritime transport and logistics training and its efforts to support capacity building among Arab and African countries.

Under the leadership of AASTMT President Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, the Academy structured the program to combine classroom-based learning with practical exposure to maritime training technologies and operational environments.

Practical training at AASTMT simulator facilities

As part of the practical component, participants visited AASTMT’s simulator and practical training complex. The visit allowed them to review advanced technologies used in the training and qualification of maritime personnel.

The practical exposure complemented the program’s theoretical modules and provided participants with a closer view of the technical capabilities used to develop maritime skills.

By combining instruction on risk, cybersecurity and operational continuity with exposure to simulation technology, the program sought to connect port security concepts with practical training tools.

Suez Canal Authority visit highlights infrastructure integration

The field program also included a visit to the Suez Canal Authority. Participants were introduced to stages in the Authority’s development as well as the logistics zone and its facilities and systems supporting trade flows and supply chains.

The visit also provided practical insight into the integration between ports and supporting infrastructure. Participants examined how this integration relates to safety requirements and operational security.

This element of the program broadened the port security and operations training beyond classroom instruction by exposing participants to infrastructure and logistics systems connected to maritime trade and supply chains.

AASTMT said the program forms part of its continued commitment to regional partnership and cooperation. The Academy also emphasized its role in providing training and consultancy for Arab and African professionals, with the aim of strengthening the strategic security of ports and supporting sustainable development across the region.

Source: Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport

Shipping Arabia, October 2, 2026 – Suez Canal ship traffic rose 17.38% year on year during the first eight months of 2026, with 9,602 vessels transiting the waterway compared with 8,180 during the same period of 2025. The increase of 1,422 vessels came alongside strong growth in cargo volumes and canal revenues.

Total revenues reached about $3.493 billion from January through August, up from approximately $2.594 billion during the corresponding period of 2025. That represented an increase of $898.96 million, or 34.64%.

Cargo volumes also recorded significant growth. Total tonnage reached 437.93 million tons during the eight-month period, compared with 328.22 million tons a year earlier, an increase of 109.71 million tons or 33.43%.

August Leads Suez Canal Ship Traffic Growth

August recorded some of the strongest monthly gains across the canal’s main performance indicators. Vessel traffic increased to 1,358 ships from 1,070 in August 2025, representing an additional 288 vessels and growth of 26.92%.

The article’s reported revenue figures for August showed income rising to $570.23 million from $361.99 million in the same month of 2025. This represented an increase of $208.24 million and year-on-year growth of 57.53%.

July also recorded strong growth. A total of 1,340 vessels transited the canal during the month, compared with 1,055 in July 2025. The increase of 285 vessels represented growth of 27.01%.

July revenues reached $506.74 million, up from $355.82 million a year earlier. The increase amounted to $150.92 million, or 42.41%.

Suez Canal Authority Highlights August Performance

Adm. Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, separately said the authority generated $567.1 million in August, compared with about $326 million during the same month of 2025, representing growth of 56.6%. His figures were presented during remarks at a World Maritime Day event held in Alexandria.

Rabiee also cited 1,358 vessel transits in August, compared with about 1,070 a year earlier, equivalent to growth of around 27%. Cargo volumes reached 68.3 million tons, compared with approximately 45.2 million tons in August 2025, an increase of 51.1%.

Regional Tensions Continue to Affect the Canal

Rabiee said the Suez Canal Authority continued to face the effects of geopolitical developments in the region and internationally. He referred to developments during September that, according to his remarks, included Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities on September 8 and Houthi control over the Mokha area near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on September 10.

He said these developments affected Saudi crude oil production and exports. According to the figures he presented, Saudi crude production fell to 6 million barrels per day from about 10 million barrels per day, while crude exports declined by around 1.1 million barrels per day in August 2026 to approximately 3.5 million barrels per day.

Rabiee also said Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline temporarily stopped operating following attacks on key energy facilities. The pipeline has an export capacity of 5 million barrels per day, according to his remarks.

He added that the escalation contributed to crude oil prices again exceeding $100 per barrel for the first time since May. Insurance companies also increased war-risk premiums, while Saudi Arabia announced the establishment of a national mechanism to insure war risks for cargoes and vessels, according to the source.

Despite those developments, Rabiee said navigation through Bab el-Mandeb had not been affected, with traffic ranging between 26 and 37 vessels per day. He added that major shipping lines had not announced changes to their Red Sea and Suez Canal routes despite continuing regional tensions.

Source: Al Mal

Shipping Arabia, October 1, 2026 – The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has advanced its marine vessel manufacturing program with the launch of two new 90-ton bollard pull Azm-class tugboats, the delivery of two Bahr excursion boats and final operational trials for two export tugboats at the South Red Sea Shipyard Company in Safaga.

SCA Chairman Admiral Osama Rabie witnessed the activities during a visit to the shipyard accompanied by Red Sea Governor Dr. Walid El-Barqy. They were received by South Red Sea Shipyard Company Chairman Mostafa El-Dougishy, alongside company executives and employees from different sectors.

The program included the launch of two new Azm-class tugboats, the delivery of Bahr 1 and Bahr 2, and final operational trials for two additional Azm-class export tugboats ahead of their planned delivery to Italian company NERI.

Two More Azm-Class Tugboats Launched

The two newly launched Azm tugboats are the fifth and sixth vessels of the class built by the Egypt Tugboat Factory.

Each tug measures 32 meters in length and 13.5 meters in beam, with a draft of 6 meters. The vessels can reach a speed of 12 knots and provide 90 tons of bollard pull.

The SCA also conducted final operational trials for two Azm-class tugboats built for export. The trials are taking place ahead of their delivery to NERI in Italy.

The export vessels form part of the authority’s wider effort to expand Egyptian marine vessel manufacturing beyond domestic requirements and increase access to international markets.

Bahr 1 and Bahr 2 Join Suez Canal Tourism Fleet

During the visit, the SCA took delivery of Bahr 1 and Bahr 2, the first two excursion boats of the new Bahr class produced by the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats.

The vessels were manufactured at the company’s fiberglass factory using wood and fiberglass. Each boat has capacity for 15 passengers, measures 17 meters in length and 5 meters in beam, and can reach a speed of 21 knots.

The two boats are scheduled to operate in marine tourism activities in the Suez Canal.

The Bahr class represents another product line within the SCA’s marine vessel manufacturing activities, alongside tugboat construction and other specialized vessels.

New 50,000-Square-Meter Industrial Zone

Rabie, El-Barqy and El-Dougishy also inaugurated a new administrative building at the shipyard covering 1,110 square meters.

The facility includes administrative offices, a conference hall, a meeting room, a dining hall and reception rooms.

Rabie then inspected construction work on a new industrial free zone for the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats. The zone is being developed over an area of approximately 50,000 square meters.

Plans call for three factories, a covered storage yard, an open storage yard, an administrative building, residential facilities and a mosque.

Rabie said the SCA aims to expand the localization of marine vessel manufacturing through integrated industrial communities capable of meeting the requirements of the Suez Canal and Egyptian ports while also creating new opportunities for exports.

He said the partnership with the South Red Sea Shipyard Company, through the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats and the free zone, provides a platform for expanding into international markets under the “Made in Egypt” banner.

SCA Targets Higher Production and Regional Competitiveness

Rabie said the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats represents a model for integration and partnership with the private sector.

According to the chairman, the partnership is intended to increase operational capacity and raise production and manufacturing rates. He said these efforts support the objective of strengthening Egypt’s position in marine manufacturing and enhancing its competitiveness at the regional level.

Red Sea Governor Dr. Walid El-Barqy praised the SCA’s efforts to localize marine vessel manufacturing in Egypt and strengthen national industrial capabilities in the sector.

He also highlighted the potential of Safaga, saying that greater use of the city’s available capabilities could strengthen its position as a center for marine industries and services.

South Red Sea Shipyard Expands Infrastructure

South Red Sea Shipyard Company Chairman Mostafa El-Dougishy said the partnership with the Suez Canal Authority has brought a major transformation to the shipyard’s infrastructure.

The development program has included upgrades to the shipyard yard and improvements to a 500-meter marine quay. The shipyard has also been equipped with lifting equipment and cranes.

El-Dougishy said the company continues to execute its contracts and commitments simultaneously, enabling it to meet the scheduled delivery dates for different projects.

During the visit, Rabie also met an Omani delegation that toured the shipyard to learn about its activities in building different types of marine vessels.

According to the source, the delegation expressed positive views about the development of Egyptian industry and its growing regional competitiveness. Its members also indicated their intention to relay a positive assessment to the management of the Omani company they represented and continue discussions and engagement during the coming period.

At the end of the visit, Rabie addressed employees across the company’s various sectors. He urged them to maintain occupational safety and health standards while ensuring quality and precision in project execution.

The activities in Safaga form part of the SCA’s broader marine vessel manufacturing program, combining new tugboat construction, passenger craft production, export projects and expansion of industrial infrastructure to increase local production capacity.

Source: Suez Canal Authority

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

Shipping Arabia, September 25, 2026 – Suez Canal traffic continued to recover in August, with 1,358 vessels carrying 68.3 million net tonnes through the waterway as monthly revenue climbed 56.7% year-on-year to $567.1 million.

Suez Canal Authority Chairman and Managing Director Adm. Ossama Rabiee announced the figures during Egypt’s World Maritime Day 2026 event in Alexandria, saying navigation through the canal remains regular and marine services are operating at full readiness.

August vessel transits increased 27% from 1,070 ships a year earlier, while net tonnage rose 51.1% from 45.2 million tonnes. Revenue increased from $326 million in August 2025 to $567.1 million this year.

Rabiee said recent navigational reports point to improving traffic levels following the disruption to global shipping and supply chains caused by regional and international developments in recent years.

Alongside efforts to support the recovery of canal traffic, the SCA is expanding its maritime services and industrial activities as part of a strategy to diversify revenue beyond transit fees.

The authority has been developing its shipyards and affiliated companies to expand the domestic construction of marine units while pursuing private-sector partnerships and international markets.

Its growing portfolio of services includes shipbuilding and repair, bunkering, marine ambulance services and crew changes, providing additional support to vessels during their Suez transits.

The SCA is also expanding its involvement in port development and maritime training outside Egypt. Rabiee highlighted the authority’s participation in the redevelopment and reopening of Sirte Port in Libya after 14 years of closure, while its Maritime Training and Simulation Academy has modeled Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al-Khair Port.

The authority is also negotiating work involving the simulation of two ports in Namibia, alongside training programmes for pilots and tug masters.

The latest traffic figures add to signs of a gradual recovery in Suez Canal activity as shipping lines reassess longer Cape of Good Hope diversions and selected services return to the Red Sea-Suez route.

Source: Suez Canal Authority

Shipping Arabia, September 21, 2026 – Container ship traffic through the Suez Canal is showing a significant recovery, with total net tonnage rising 54.2% during the first eight months of 2026, as major carriers gradually restore services through the waterway.

The Suez Canal Authority said container ships transiting the canal recorded approximately 72.1 million tonnes of net tonnage between January and August, compared with 46.7 million tonnes during the same period of 2025.

The recovery was highlighted by the first Suez Canal transit of the 24,000-TEU OOCL Portugal, which sailed through the waterway on September 16 during a voyage from Belgium to China.

The approximately 400-meter vessel, with a beam of 61.3 meters and gross tonnage of 247,000 tonnes, operates on the NEU2 service under the OCEAN Alliance, directly connecting major ports in the Far East and Northwest Europe.

Suez Canal Authority Chairman and Managing Director Adm. Ossama Rabiee said the voyage was particularly significant as it marked COSCO SHIPPING Lines’ first southbound transit through the Suez Canal since the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb disruption.

Rabiee said several major shipping lines have now restored maritime services through the canal on Asia-Europe trades, including CMA CGM, Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and COSCO.

The return of additional mainline services is beginning to translate into higher containership tonnage through Suez after prolonged diversions around the Cape of Good Hope disrupted traditional Asia-Europe routing.

On September 16 alone, 39 vessels with combined net tonnage of 2.3 million tonnes transited the canal, according to the authority.

The figures provide a further indication of the gradual recovery of Suez Canal container traffic as carriers reassess Red Sea operations and progressively return capacity to the shorter Asia-Europe route.

Source: Suez Canal Authority

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