The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is stepping up efforts to encourage large container ships to resume transit through the strategic waterway as it seeks to improve security in the Red Sea. Admiral Osama Rabiei has personally visited the ships to demonstrate the channel’s readiness for large-scale operations.
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Admiral Rabiei recently visited CMA CGM Jules VerneThe 396-meter, 176,000-ton vessel marks the first northward transit of the Suez Canal after passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait. The trip marks an important milestone in the channel’s recovery from the Houthi maritime crisis that began in November 2023.
Admiral Rabiei met with the crew during the visit and spoke about their Red Sea experience alongside CMA CGM Egypt & Sudan Cluster CEO Tariq Zaghloul and Chief Operating Officer Amr Al Shafaei. He also observed CMA CGM HeliumA 335-meter, 130,000-ton vessel on its first canal transit.
Admiral Rabiei stated: Restoring stability in the Red Sea requires shipping lines to revise their navigation plans and return to transit through Bab al-Mandab and the Suez Canal.
Earlier this month, the SCA announced plans to hold meetings with major carriers to encourage pilot trips, a partial return or a multi-step full return strategy. Referring to the successful transit of two large container ships after the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, Admiral Rabiei commended CMA CGM for maintaining the channel’s operations amid security challenges.
Captain Slavko Malasic, master Jules Vernehighlighted the canal development projects, especially the development of the southern section, which has improved navigational safety and reduced waiting and transit times.
Encouraging data recovery supports these efforts. October 2025 was the highest monthly return since the crisis, with 229 ships plying the canal. Between July and October, 4,405 ships weighing 185 million tons passed through this waterway.
The resurgence comes after the Houthis announced a suspension of naval operations in the Red Sea, although experts warn that risks remain. Since the start of the Israeli-Hamas conflict in October 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 100 commercial ships, sinking four ships, drowning one sailor and killing at least eight sailors, causing a 60 percent reduction in traffic.
Challenges remain, particularly the high cost of marine insurance, which is slowing the return of some carriers. CMA CGM is at the forefront of this return, with CEO Tariq Zaghloul stressing the canal’s irreplaceable strategic value: “There is no substitute for the Suez Canal.”
Looking ahead, SCA plans to attract more ship types beyond container ships. Industry representatives have called for incentives for oil tankers, bulk carriers and LNG carriers, which face fewer scheduling hurdles. Admiral Rabiei invited all shipping lines to conduct test voyages, which show confidence in the security of the Red Sea.
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