Sailing through the Suez Canal is an essential activity for international trade. However, in recent months, this waterway has faced several challenges. In a recent statement, the President and Director General of the Suez Canal, Osama Rabie, sought to refute rumors according to which navigation had been suspended due to the situation in the Red Sea.
Rabie said navigation in the canal is proceeding normally, in both directions. He highlighted that traffic continues to operate without interruption, with a total of 44 vessels passing through each day, representing a net tonnage of 2.3 million tonnes. The Suez Canal also remains committed to maintaining direct communication with shipping companies and shipowners, in order to best coordinate the interests of the maritime community and ensure the sustainability of global supply chains.
However, Rabie also said the canal’s revenues were down 40% year-to-date compared to 2023, due to attacks on ships in the Red Sea. These attacks forced ships to veer off course and avoid the canal. He also mentioned a drop of 30% in ship traffic and 41% in tonnage in January, compared to the same period of the previous year.
These figures underline the direct impact of tensions in the Red Sea on the canal economy. Indeed, the Suez Canal is a strategic route for many companies that depend on international trade. Attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have not only led to a decrease in traffic, but they have also raised fears within the maritime community.
It is therefore crucial that measures are taken to ensure the safety of ships transiting the Red Sea. This will restore the confidence of shipowners and encourage a return to normal traffic in the Suez Canal. By working hand-in-hand with shipping companies, the Suez Canal can play a key role in facilitating global trade and stabilizing supply chains.
In conclusion, despite the challenges linked to the situation in the Red Sea, the Suez Canal continues to operate normally. Efforts must be focused on ship security to restore confidence and ensure the sustainability of international trade through this waterway.