Rabie emphasized the strategic nature of the visit, highlighting that disruptions in the Red Sea have reaffirmed the canal's role in safeguarding global supply chain continuity.
A.P. Moller–Maersk is considering resuming operations through the Suez Canal, as the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced new incentives to attract container vessels back to the key waterway amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea.
During a high-level meeting, SCA Chairman Osama Rabie met with a senior delegation from Maersk to explore enhanced cooperation. The talks coincided with the shipping giant’s official visit to Egypt and form part of broader efforts to support global trade flows and reinforce longstanding commercial ties.
Rabie emphasized the strategic nature of the visit, highlighting that disruptions in the Red Sea have reaffirmed the canal's role in safeguarding global supply chain continuity. He noted that extended voyage times and rising operational costs have underlined the value of the Suez Canal as a stable transit corridor.
To support the return of major shipping lines, the Authority has introduced a 15% temporary discount for container ships with a net tonnage of 130,000 tons or more. Rabie stated the offer has already received encouraging feedback from industry players and is expected to positively impact international maritime traffic.
He further indicated that conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for a broader return to the canal, especially amid growing regional and international momentum to resolve navigation challenges in the Red Sea.
Speaking on behalf of Maersk, Camilla Jain Holst, the company’s Vice President and Head of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs, reaffirmed the significance of the Suez Canal, citing more than a century of collaboration between the two sides.
Holst said Maersk is keen to resume transits through the canal and is closely monitoring developments in the Red Sea as part of its risk assessment. She commended the SCA for maintaining close contact with shipping lines and for offering responsive solutions, describing the latest incentive package as a “positive step” for the sector.
