January 29, 2026
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has held high-level consultations with representatives from 20 international shipping lines and maritime agencies to assess current navigation conditions and future traffic prospects in light of recent developments in the Red Sea and Bab El-Mandab region.
The meeting took place at the SCA’s headquarters in Ismailia and forms part of the Authority’s ongoing dialogue with Canal users aimed at supporting planning certainty and operational readiness. Discussions covered voyage scheduling, security conditions, incentive schemes, and expectations for vessel traffic in the months ahead.
Traffic and Revenue Show Strong Recovery
Chairman and Managing Director Admiral Ossama Rabiee presented updated performance figures, highlighting a marked improvement in Canal traffic during the first half of the 2025/2026 financial year. Compared with the same period of the previous year, the number of vessel transits rose by 5.8%, while net tonnage increased by 16%. According to the SCA, this growth resulted in a revenue increase of 18.5%.
Rabiee attributed the positive trend to improving security indicators in the Red Sea, which have encouraged a gradual return of shipping lines to the Suez route after a period of disruption.
Infrastructure Expansion and Incentives
The SCA also briefed participants on progress within its waterway development programme. Expansion and duplication works in the southern sector have been completed, strengthening navigational capacity and flexibility. Updates were also provided on enhanced navigational services and safety measures introduced to support safe and efficient transits.
As part of its commercial response to market conditions, the Authority has issued several navigation circulars offering incentives to Canal users. One of the key measures includes a 15% toll reduction for container vessels of 130,000 tonnes or more, applicable to both laden and ballast voyages. Additional incentive packages for specific vessel categories are currently under consideration.
Industry Feedback: Cautious Optimism
Representatives from shipping lines and agencies used the session to share operational insights related to route planning, insurance costs, fleet deployment, and traffic forecasting for 2026. While conditions are improving, several participants noted that changes to schedules and routing decisions require time due to the complexity of commercial planning and logistical coordination.
Delegates from the container, LNG, and general cargo sectors reported renewed customer interest in Suez Canal transits. Some agencies confirmed that trial transits have already resumed, with vessel numbers expected to rise gradually as confidence in routing through the region continues to strengthen.
Key Issues and Next Steps
Among the issues raised were calls for continued and targeted incentive schemes, closer coordination with insurers, and consistent, transparent communication on navigational and security conditions. Participants also proposed expanded training opportunities for shipping agents and broader industry engagement events focused on operational updates and best practices.
Concluding the meeting, Admiral Rabiee reaffirmed the SCA’s commitment to maintaining close cooperation with Canal users. He confirmed that the Authority will review the proposals presented and continue its direct engagement with shipping lines and maritime agencies as it monitors developments affecting traffic through the Canal.
SOURCE: Suez Canal Authority