Suez Canal remains operational despite Red Sea tensions, says authority chief

The Suez Canal continues to operate uninterrupted despite security challenges in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, Osama Rabie, Chairman of Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA), said on Tuesday.

During a meeting in Cairo with UK Ambassador Gareth Bayley, Rabie reaffirmed the canal’s vital role in global trade and the authority’s commitment to safeguarding international shipping lanes and maintaining supply chain stability.

He pointed to recent upgrades aimed at bolstering the canal’s efficiency, including the completion of the southern sector development project. The enhancements are expected to increase the canal’s daily capacity by six to eight vessels and improve navigational safety amid adverse environmental conditions.

Rabie also highlighted the SCA’s ongoing fleet modernisation efforts, which have seen the addition of 23 new maritime units such as tugboats and ferries.

The two officials discussed how regional unrest has affected shipping routes, prompting carriers to divert around the Cape of Good Hope. They also explored possible engagement with British insurers to reduce premiums for vessels transiting the canal.

Ambassador Bayley commended Egypt’s efforts to attract foreign investment—particularly in green hydrogen and clean energy projects in the Suez Canal Economic Zone—and reaffirmed the UK’s support for preserving the canal’s strategic importance.

The meeting concluded with a tour of the New Suez Canal, showcasing the waterway’s recent improvements and long-term value for global maritime commerce.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser