Suez Canal Traffic Expected to Resume Gradually by Late March

Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, Admiral Osama Rabie, announced that maritime traffic through the Suez Canal was expected to gradually resume by the end of March 2025. Large vessels are set to restart their transit, with test voyages already underway in recent days. Admiral Rabie pointed out that the last Houthi attack on commercial vessels had occurred on December 2, 2024. On January 19, 2025, the Houthis declared a halt to their maritime attacks following the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Several key indicators suggest a stabilizing situation in the Red Sea, including the safe passage of six US and UK ships on January 19 and the transit of an oil tanker through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on February 2. Additionally, the Houthis recently released the crew of an Israeli aircraft carrier, further signaling a reduction in tensions.

However, large ships and container vessels continue to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope rather than the Suez Canal. A full return to normal maritime operations is anticipated by mid-2025, depending on continued stability in the region.

Source: Akher Kelma Program – ON E Channel