El-Samadouni explained that Maersk is one of the largest and
most influential shipping lines in the canal's activity, noting that in 2023,
1,158 vessels belonging to the group transited the canal, generating total
revenues of approximately $733 million, according to Suez Canal Authority
estimates. This reflects the group's significant weight in global maritime
traffic.
He added that recent government decisions have contributed
to enhancing the canal's attractiveness to international shipping lines, most
notably the extension of 13 transit fee reductions until June 30, 2026. These
reductions cover dry bulk carriers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, crude
oil tankers, petroleum product tankers, container ships, and car carriers bound
for various destinations, thus strengthening the canal's competitiveness at a
time when the global shipping market is undergoing sharp changes.
El-Samadouni pointed out that the Suez Canal lost
approximately 66% of its revenues over the past two years, with returns
declining from over $10.2 billion in 2023 to $3.9 billion in 2024, with
projections indicating a recovery to around $4 billion in 2025, according to
statements by Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority.
Despite this decline, El-Samadouni revealed emerging
positive indicators, noting that Suez Canal revenues grew by 8.6% during the
first quarter of the current fiscal year (July–September 2025), marking the
first positive growth rate since the second quarter of the 2023/2024 fiscal
year, according to data from the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development,
and International Cooperation.
He emphasized that the return of international shipping
lines is a pivotal development in the canal's recovery and is expected to
restore a significant portion of transit trade, particularly as Egypt continues
to implement incentive policies to enhance the competitiveness of this vital
global waterway.