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Sisi monitors Suez Canal shipping recovery

Businessmen Team news 18 January 2026 10:17 AM
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Sisi monitors Suez Canal shipping recovery

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met Sunday with Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Lieutenant General Osama Rabie to review a partial recovery in maritime traffic following a period of regional instability.

SCA Chairman Rabie reported that the waterway saw a relative improvement in the second half of 2025. He attributed the rebound to efforts to mitigate negative global impacts and the completion of development projects in the canal's southern sector.

The recovery was marked by the gradual return of mega container ships to the canal, signaling renewed stability in the Red Sea region. Rabie noted that revenues are expected to climb further in the second half of 2026 as major shipping lines return to normal levels.

The meeting also covered Egypt’s push to localize the maritime industry. Sisi was briefed on the progress of the South Red Sea Shipyard, where 12 deep-sea fishing vessels and several high-powered tugboats are under construction.

According to presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy, the SCA has completed:

Six "Azm" class tugboats (90-ton bollard pull) out of a planned 10.

Work on 10 additional tugboats (80-ton bollard pull).

Construction of 10 river buses.

President Sisi emphasized the need for the SCA to meet the equipment needs of Egyptian ports and modernize the national fishing fleet.

The President directed the authority to continue its strategy of upgrading the canal’s infrastructure and navigation channel to maintain its unique status in global trade and maritime efficiency.