Suez Canal Returns to Life: Maritime Traffic Recovers After Years of Decline
The Suez Canal Authority has announced the full restoration of navigation traffic to normal levels following the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The development brings renewed optimism to Egypt’s maritime industry, signaling a recovery after years of challenges caused by regional conflicts and instability.
Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh Restores Global Confidence
Adm. Osama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), affirmed that the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, chaired by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, represented a renewed vote of confidence in Egypt’s stability and leadership.
He explained that the summit contributed to strengthening regional security and opened new prospects for a peace plan designed to safeguard trade routes across the Middle East, supporting the global logistics and shipping sectors.
The Suez Canal: Lifeline of Global Trade
Rabiee underlined the strategic significance of the Suez Canal as an essential artery for international commerce, connecting East and West with efficiency and reliability.
He added that the Maersk Group confirmed the heavy operational impact of rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope during the Red Sea crisis, which caused major increases in cost and transit time highlighting how vital the Suez Canal remains to global trade.
Ceasefire Brings Back Stability and Vessel Confidence
With regional tensions easing and a sustainable ceasefire in place, the Suez Canal Authority expects a steady increase in vessel traffic and improved transit frequency in the coming months.
Current strategies focus on enhancing navigational safety and encouraging international shipping lines to restore full operations through Egypt’s waterway.
Heavy Losses During the Conflict Years
As the world’s most important maritime corridor, the Suez Canal handles nearly 12% of global trade and 30% of container shipments, saving more than 7,000 km compared to the Cape route.
However, over the past two years, the combined impact of the Gaza conflict and Houthi attacks on merchant ships reduced traffic through the Canal by 75% in 2024, causing multibillion-dollar losses to Egypt.
In the first quarter of FY 2024–2025, the Canal’s revenues fell 61%, recording $931 million compared to $2.4 billion in the same period the previous year.
A New Chapter for Maritime Growth
With peace returning and trade stability restored, the Suez Canal is once again resuming its central role in reviving Egypt’s economy and strengthening global supply chains.
This recovery is expected to boost ship operations, marine logistics, and port services across the region marking a new era of resilience for the maritime community.
At Manta Marine Services, we proudly support vessels transiting the Suez Canal and all Egyptian ports with comprehensive ship supply, logistics, and technical solutions. Our mission is to ensure efficiency, safety, and reliability across every operation, contributing to the ongoing growth of Egypt’s maritime industry.
