- The Suez Canal Authority is increasing its efforts to rebuild traffic through the canal highlighting the return to stability in the region.
- A tanker targeted by the Houthis eight months ago made its first transit reports to the authority as part of its marketing campaign.
The Suez Canal witnessed the first transit of an oil tanker since it was attacked in the Red Sea region in July 2024.
The Suez Canal Authority, in a statement, announced the transit of the Liberian-flagged oil tanker amongst vessels of the north-bound convoy. The vessel, coming from Sikka Port in India and heading to Sidi Kerir Port in Alexandria, marks its first journey through the canal since it was attacked in July 2024.
Houthi-attacked tanker returns to Suez
On 12 July 2024, the Houthis targeted the oil tanker twice, first in the Red Sea and later in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with ballistic missiles and UAVs, according to the Houthi military spokesman.
Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman, Suez Canal Authority, stressed that the return of the tanker to transit through the Suez Canal carries a strong message of reassurance regarding the positive developments witnessed in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab region. These developments suggest a gradual return to stability and a revival of freedom for maritime navigation.
In addition, the Chairman of the Authority highlighted that the return of vessels to the Suez Canal is a direct result of the lack of sustainable alternatives. The high costs of the Cape of Good Hope route, combined with limited navigation services and the environmental risks from increased carbon emissions due to higher fuel consumption, make the canal the preferred choice for major shipping lines.
Moreover, Rabiee stressed that the Suez Canal will remain the first choice for major shipping lines that are looking forward to the return of stability to the Red Sea region to return to transiting through the Canal again.
On 30 January, Adm. Ossama Rabiee had met with representatives from 23 major shipping lines and agencies and discussed with them the impact of the return of relative stability in the Red Sea and Bab El-Mandab region on Suez Canal navigation schedules.
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Source: Suez Canal Authority
