- Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman discusses Red Sea developments with representatives from 23 major shipping entities.
- Adm. Ossama Rabiee highlights improving security conditions and urges the return of normal navigation schedules.
- SCA introduces enhanced maritime services, including salvage, repair, and pollution control.
On January 30, 2025, Adm. Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), met with representatives from 23 international shipping lines and agencies to discuss the latest Red Sea and Bab El-Mandab region developments. The meeting, attended by key maritime stakeholders, focused on restoring normal shipping operations and reassuring the global maritime community of the Canal’s stability, reports SAFETY4SEA.
Discussion Highlights:
Adm. Rabiee emphasized that stability is returning to the Red Sea region, creating an opportunity for shipping companies to resume Suez Canal transits. Despite previous security concerns that led to rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, the Canal remains the most efficient and cost-effective route for global shipping.
Additionally, he outlined the negative impacts of the Red Sea crisis on navigation statistics and explained how the SCA has taken proactive steps, including:
- Maintaining full operational capacity despite the crisis.
- Introducing new maritime services like salvage, water ambulances, pollution control, ship repairs, and bunkering.
- Ensuring safety and efficiency for all transiting vessels.
Commitment to Navigational Development
Adm. Rabiee reaffirmed the Suez Canal’s readiness to support shipping lines and welcomed the resumption of full-scale transits.
He also announced the completion of the Southern Sector Development Project, which will enhance navigation efficiency.
Industry Reactions & Key Attendees:
Several industry leaders provided insights and support for the SCA’s initiatives:
- Bahaa Badr (Evergreen Line) – Praised the SCA’s waterway development efforts and new service offerings.
- Rear Adm. Ehab Elbanan (Clarksons) – Recommended temporary transit incentives to encourage more vessels to return.
- Hany El-Nady (Maersk Group, MENA) – Confirmed Maersk’s readiness to resume Suez Canal transits once stability is assured.
- Capt. Mohammed Badawi (Gulf Agency Co.) – Advocated for periodic meetings and incentives for certain vessel types.
- Tariq Zaghloul (CMA CGM, Egypt & Sudan Cluster) – Reiterated the strategic importance of the Canal for CMA CGM operations.
- Ehab Fathy (MSC) – Highlighted Port Said Shipyard’s role in MSC vessel repairs.
- Mohamed Moselhy (Alexandria Chamber of Shipping) – Applauded SCA’s efforts in maintaining communication with shipping entities.
- Adel Ellameey (Port Said Chamber of Shipping) – Urged discussions with insurance companies to reclassify the region as a safe transit zone.
- Mamdouh Taha (COSCO Shipping) – Affirmed that shipping lines will inevitably return to the Canal.
- Mahmoud El Kady (Kadmar Shipping) – Observed a rise in yacht tourism due to improved SCA services.
- Amany Helmy (Dominion Shipping Agencies) – Suggested increasing incentives for cruise ships and yachts.
- Ahmed Al-Masry (Medlevant Shipping Agency) – Called for enhanced crew services for transiting vessels.
- Capt. Mohamed El Boraey (GLOBAL LOGISTICS) – Stressed the importance of attracting a variety of vessels, beyond large containerships.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on holding similar discussions periodically to ensure ongoing collaboration between SCA and the global maritime industry.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
