Maersk Partnership Revives Suez Canal's Global Maritime Status, Says SCA Chief

 The head of Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority, Admiral Osama Rabie, has hailed a strategic partnership with global shipping giant Maersk as a turning point for the Suez Canal, describing it as a "revival" of the waterway's role as a central pillar of global maritime trade.

Speaking in a televised interview with anchor Azza Mostafa on "Six O’Clock" on Al-Hayah TV, Rabie emphasized that the recent meeting between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Maersk Group Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla underscored Egypt’s commitment to attracting international investment across its key economic zones.

Rabie revealed that the agreement with Maersk encompasses wide-ranging cooperation in areas including green fuel supply for ships, maritime workforce training, and the expansion of container operations at East Port Said. He added that Maersk has made advance payments in U.S. dollars for future services, reflecting what he called "deep confidence" in the Suez Canal as a primary global shipping partner.

"The Maersk deal is not just an investment, it is a strategic commitment that positions the Suez Canal as a leader in sustainable and competitive maritime logistics," Rabie stated.

Addressing the regional security landscape, Rabie credited the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement and the Gaza ceasefire for stabilizing Red Sea shipping routes and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, key arteries for global trade.

"The reduction in conflict risk is already encouraging the gradual return of shipping traffic to the Suez Canal," he noted. "There is no global alternative to the Suez Canal, and the world is realizing that again."

He also revealed that the authority has launched logistical and technical preparations to accommodate an expected surge in maritime traffic, particularly if the second phase of the ceasefire agreement holds.

Rabie stressed that the Suez Canal Authority is also actively pursuing public-private partnerships to strengthen Egypt’s marine industry. He pointed to the construction of three new dredger factories at the Red Sea Shipyard in collaboration with the private sector, including Italian and Egyptian partners.

The flagship “Masr” factory has already produced 10 dredgers, four of which have been delivered. Italian firm Mery Group has placed an order for two of the vessels, slated for delivery in 2026.

“These joint ventures are not just about manufacturing,” Rabie said. “They’re about building a sustainable maritime future, in line with Egypt’s green economy goals.”

The Maersk collaboration is also a key component of Egypt’s broader green transition strategy, according to Rabie. Efforts to supply green fuel and modernize Egypt’s shipbuilding infrastructure reflect the country’s long-term vision to make the canal a hub for sustainable shipping.

“The world is moving toward green logistics, and the Suez Canal is moving with it,” he concluded.