The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has announced that the Suez Canal is fully prepared to operate at maximum capacity, welcoming maritime services from major shipping lines as global trade gradually returns to its normal flow through the canal. This statement was issued by the SCA on Tuesday, emphasizing the readiness of the canal to support the resumption of shipping activity.

This announcement came during a meeting between Osama Rabie, chairman of the SCA, and Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The meeting focused on discussing the necessary measures to enable the resumption of maritime traffic through the canal and highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the SCA and IMO to support the smooth functioning of global trade routes.

In recent months, the Suez Canal has faced significant challenges due to tensions in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab regions, which resulted in a decrease in the number of vessels passing through the canal. Transit revenues also declined sharply, reflecting the impact of these challenges on the canal’s operations.

Despite these challenges, the SCA has continued to make improvements to enhance its services and accommodate the needs of its customers. The canal has introduced new services such as ship repair and maintenance, maritime ambulance services, fueling, solid waste collection and disposal, and crew change services. These enhancements demonstrate the SCA’s commitment to delivering seamless maritime services and evolving to meet the evolving needs of the shipping industry.

The Suez Canal is also making progress in its “Green Suez Canal” initiative to promote environmental sustainability. This initiative includes developing vessels with eco-friendly technologies, converting certain vessels to operate on biofuels, using clean energy at pilot stations along the canal, and supporting safe and sustainable disposal of marine waste.

Additionally, the SCA has made significant upgrades to its fleet, including the construction of new pilot boats and tugboats to support its operations. These improvements aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic through the canal and increase its capacity to manage emergencies.

Looking ahead, the Suez Canal anticipates generating $9 billion in revenue for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Dominguez emphasized the strategic importance of the Suez Canal for global trade and encouraged shipping lines, shipowners, and operators to adjust their schedules as security conditions in the Red Sea stabilized.

Overall, the Suez Canal is well-positioned to support the resumption of maritime traffic and play a crucial role in facilitating global trade. The ongoing cooperation between the SCA and IMO, along with the canal’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, will ensure its continued success as a key maritime route for international shipping.