The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) have called on container liners to return to crossing the Canal after the improved security situation in the region.
To showcase the waterway's safe transit, Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the SCA, recently visited the 16020-TEU container vessel CMA CGM Jules Verne during its journey from Singapore to Lebanon.
This marked the first northbound passage through the Suez Canal after the vessel transited the Bab El-Mandab.
Rabiee also observed the maiden voyage of the CMA CGM Helium, a 13,000-TEU ship that was en route northbound from Singapore to Alexandria.
According to a press release, the Canal has implemented several measures to ensure safe transit, including assigning chief pilots, providing tugboat assistance, and maintaining real-time monitoring from the Main Traffic Control Centre and stations along the canal.
The Chairman stated that the renewed stability in the Red Sea requires shipping lines to reconsider their navigation schedules.
The Suez Canal is ready to receive mega container ships.
Chairman and Managing Director of the SCA
This development follows an announcement by Houthi forces suspending maritime operations in the Red Sea.
However, experts have noted that risks persist.
Since October 2023, over 100 commercial ships have been targeted, with four sunk, one seized, and at least eight seafarers killed, resulting in a 60% reduction in traffic as vessels diverted around the Cape of Good Hope.
High marine insurance costs continue to deter some carriers from resuming previous routes.
Nevertheless, the SCA plans to hold further meetings with major shipping companies to develop a strategy for returning to standard operations.
Carriers remain cautious
Hapag-Lloyd has observed calmer conditions in the Suez Canal region following a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, but will not resume sailings until safety is assured.
Chief Executive Rolf Habben Jansen stated, “For the moment, I don't see us returning very soon,” and indicated that the company is monitoring the situation and consulting with partners.
Similarly, Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk, expressed cautious optimism about a possible return to the Suez Canal.
The ceasefire agreement is a big step towards being able to return to the Suez Canal route, but we need to make sure the ceasefire is entrenched.
Maersk CEO
Clerc added that Maersk is closely monitoring developments and will only resume operations once the process advances and safe passage is confirmed.
