- CMA CGM OSIRIS becomes the first large container ship to transit the Suez Canal since March 2024, signaling a return to normalcy after Houthi-related disruptions.
- The vessel’s passage follows SCA’s marketing push, including a 15% discount for large ships, to attract major shipping lines back.
- Suez Canal Authority emphasizes flexible pricing and renewed partnerships, especially with CMA CGM, to regain global shipping confidence.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has announced the successful transit of the giant container ship CMA CGM OSIRIS, marking the first passage of a large container vessel through the canal since March 2024. The ship, weighing 154,000 tons and en route from Singapore to Alexandria, represents a pivotal moment in the waterway’s return to full-scale operations after months of reduced traffic caused by regional security concerns, particularly Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
CMA CGM OSIRIS Leads the Way Through Bab el-Mandeb
Owned by France-based shipping giant CMA CGM, the CMA CGM OSIRIS is the first vessel of its class to make the journey through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and into the Suez Canal in over three months. Measuring 366 meters in length, 51 meters in width, and with a 49-foot draft, the vessel has a maximum capacity of 15,536 TEUs. Its successful transit is seen as a major step in regaining trust among global shipping operators.
Strategic Incentives to Revive Canal Traffic
To encourage the return of major shipping lines, the SCA recently introduced a 15% discount for container vessels with a net tonnage exceeding 130,000 tons. This temporary incentive, effective for three months, is aimed at reversing the decline in canal transits and is part of a broader strategy to restore the canal’s reputation as a secure and cost-effective route.
Renewed Collaboration with CMA CGM Group
Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, Chairman of the SCA, emphasized the Authority’s strategic outreach and customer engagement efforts that led to the resumption of CMA CGM’s transits. Recent discussions with the French shipping group have resulted in an agreement to restore a significant number of its large vessels to the Suez route, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the two entities.
Positive Outlook for Canal Traffic Resurgence
General Rabie expressed optimism that other global shipping lines will follow CMA CGM’s lead in the near future. He reiterated the SCA’s commitment to responsive pricing policies and continuous dialogue with industry players, positioning the canal as the preferred route for large-scale maritime trade even amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
CMA CGM Leads in Canal Utilization
Highlighting the strategic relationship, Rabie noted that CMA CGM ranked highest in terms of vessel count and total tonnage passing through the Suez Canal in the first half of 2025. The Authority views this as a testament to its proactive approach in adapting to global trade challenges and sustaining the canal’s critical role in international shipping.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Middle East Monitor
