- Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), participated in the thirteenth annual Sustainable Green Blue Infrastructure conference (MARLOG 13) on Sunday.
- The event, organized by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, aims to explore sustainable maritime practices.
- Rabie emphasized SCA’s commitment to the “Green Canal 2030” strategy, reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
Green Canal 2030 Strategy
Rabie highlighted SCA’s dedication to the principles of the blue economy through the “Green Canal 2030” strategy, launched in 2020. The strategy focuses on transforming the Suez Canal into an eco-friendly waterway, achieving a significant reduction of 55 million tons of carbon emissions and a decrease in fuel consumption by 17 million tons in 2023.
Clean Energy Initiatives
The Suez Canal Authority is actively promoting the use of clean energy in its facilities and units. A new initiative, in collaboration with Greek Antipollution – Environmental Protection Services, has been introduced to collect waste from ships transiting the canal.
Development Projects
The Suez Canal has undergone significant development with projects aimed at enhancing the navigational channel and associated infrastructure. These efforts include developing the southern sector of the canal to increase navigational safety by 28% and constructing three marinas for yachts in the canal cities.
Impact of Red Sea Tensions
Rabie addressed the security and geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab region, citing the impact on freight prices and shipping costs. Freight prices for ships heading to Red Sea ports have surged to $6,800 per container, compared to $750 per container before the crisis, accompanied by increased fuel and insurance costs.
SCA’s Response
In response to the crisis, the Suez Canal Authority has engaged with stakeholders to address disruptions in global supply chains. Efforts focus on mitigating the impact of prolonged journey times via the Cape of Good Hope route and addressing the lack of ports and logistical services along this route.
Support Measures
Rabie reiterated SCA’s commitment to supporting customers during crises. Measures include providing ship repair and maintenance services, supplying fuel, food, water, ambulance services, marine rescue, and pollution control.
The Red Sea region has experienced heightened tensions, particularly due to attacks by the Houthi Military on vessels with Israeli affiliations amid the ongoing Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip. The situation escalated following US and UK strikes on targets in Yemen, further impacting international maritime navigation through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
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Source: Egypt Today
