Suez Canal Authority Chairman Admiral Osama Rabie held an expanded meeting with representatives of 20 major shipping lines and maritime agencies in Ismailia as part of the Authority’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders in the global maritime community.
Rabie stressed that the Authority has raised readiness levels across all operational sectors, affirming that the canal remains safe, navigation is proceeding normally, and pilots are operating at the highest levels of preparedness and efficiency. He noted that the Authority’s flexible pricing policies and continuous engagement with customers have helped attract the return of a number of major shipping services to the waterway.
The SCA chief reiterated the Authority’s willingness to discuss ways to support customers, highlighting significant progress in upgrading maritime and navigation services to meet the needs of vessels under both normal and emergency conditions. He also called on shipping lines and agents to provide feedback on the Authority’s new maritime and logistics services through evaluations available on its website.
Rabie noted that geopolitical tensions in the region have negatively affected global supply chain sustainability, contributing to higher fuel costs, freight rates and insurance premiums, placing additional pressure on international maritime transport. He added that the Authority’s Crisis Management Centre is monitoring regional developments around the clock, while its economic research unit continues to assess their impact on canal traffic.
Shipping and maritime representatives praised the Authority’s approach of maintaining dialogue and consultation with industry stakeholders. Several companies indicated plans to expand or resume canal transits. French shipping group CMA CGM said it has continued using the canal since the onset of Red Sea tensions, with around 60 vessels expected to transit during September.
Representatives of A.P. Moller–Maersk noted a rise in the company’s canal movements from eight in September 2025 to 67 in September 2026 and projected further growth in annual transits. Yang Ming said it is seriously considering a return to the canal in the near future, while OOCL plans a trial transit in October. COSCO also reported it is evaluating an increase in sailings through the canal after the successful passage of one of its container vessels, with three additional ships scheduled to transit in the coming period.
Concluding the meeting, Rabie reaffirmed the canal’s readiness and ability to manage challenging and emergency situations while continuing to meet customer expectations and operational requirements.
