Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), announced that 229 vessels resumed transit through the Suez Canal during October, the highest monthly return rate since the beginning of the Red Sea crisis. He attributed the improvement to the positive impact of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, which has contributed to easing regional tensions.

The announcement was made during a meeting held at the SCA headquarters in Ismailia with representatives of 20 shipping lines and agencies.

The meeting discussed developments in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb region and their effect on global trade and the maritime transport market. Admiral Ashraf Atwa, Deputy Chairman of the Authority, and several board members also attended.

Admiral Rabiee said the Canal’s traffic data showed a clear improvement in both vessel numbers and tonnage over the past few months compared with last year.

From July to October 2025, a total of 4,405 vessels with a combined tonnage of 185 million tons passed through the Canal, compared with 4,332 vessels carrying 167.6 million tons in the same period in 2024.

He explained that the Authority had enhanced navigational safety by completing the Southern Sector Development Project and deepening the 17-kilometre western branch of Port Said. This expansion serves the West Port Said Port and provides an alternative route during emergencies.

The SCA Chairman reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to maintaining direct communication with shipping companies and agencies to coordinate efforts, exchange views, and support the international maritime community. He also invited all shipping lines to conduct trial voyages of their container ships through the Suez Canal.

Admiral Ashraf Atwa expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation with shipping agencies, describing them as an essential link between the Authority and major international shipping lines. He said the SCA remains committed to understanding clients’ expectations and continuously improving its services.

Rear Admiral Ehab El-Bannan, Chairman of Clarkson, commended the Authority’s efforts to maintain regular communication with stakeholders and suggested introducing incentives based on vessel numbers and tonnage to encourage more transits.

A representative of Maersk confirmed that the group plans to increase investments in Egypt.

Representatives from several agencies, including the Gulf Agency, called for coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to share positive updates about the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb region with the global maritime community.

A representative of Wilhelmsen suggested offering new incentives to attract oil tankers, cargo ships, and bulk carriers that can easily adjust their sailing schedules. LETH Egypt and Noatum Maritime praised the SCA’s marketing and pricing policies, saying they expect more vessels to return to the Canal in the coming months.

Some participants pointed out that high marine insurance costs remain a major challenge for shipping lines. Representatives from Yang Ming and others proposed engaging with insurance companies and the International Chamber of Shipping to review risk assessments for vessels passing through the Red Sea.

Representatives from MSC, COSCO, and other shipping lines said they expect more southbound vessels to return soon as the region becomes more stable.

A number of participants suggested that the Authority’s efforts to modernise its fleet and services have enhanced operational efficiency and the overall image of the Suez Canal.

Reference: SCA