by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is preparing for the return of major maritime shipping lines as the security situation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab region stabilises, following the implementation of a truce agreement between Gaza and Israel.

This development is expected to restore global trade movement to its normal path through the Suez Canal.

Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the SCA, highlighted the Canal's readiness to operate at full capacity and accommodate the navigational needs of major shipping lines.

The discussion about the situation in the Red Sea occurred during a meeting with Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Dominguez expressed optimism about the return of stability to the Red Sea and called on major shipping lines to reassess their navigation schedules to facilitate their gradual return to the Suez Canal.

Meanwhile, carriers Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced last month that they would continue to evaluate the situation in the region and resume their sail around Africa, prioritising the safety of their crew, vessels, and customer cargo.