CAIRO – 17 March 2025: Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), held a video conference with Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Shipping Line, to discuss mutual cooperation and the latest developments in the Red Sea.
The meeting was held in parallel to the joint US - UK attacks on the Yemeni Houthis, who announced their intention to resume attacks on Israeli ships after their deadline for Israel to allow the resumption of aid deliveries into Gaza expired. US President Donald Trump responded by US attacks that targeted various areas across the country.
The meeting discussed the impact of recent developments in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait on global shipping and reviewed MSC Shipping Line's navigation policies in the Suez Canal.
In his remarks, Rabie highlighted the SCA’s commitment to maintaining direct and effective communication with its customers and addressing the needs of the current phase. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to establish working mechanisms that serve mutual interests.
Admiral Rabie expressed his desire to continue discussions with MSC Shipping Line and stay updated on developments, allowing for an exchange of views and the possibility of making more informed decisions aimed at gradually resuming shipping in the region.
He further explained that the Suez Canal has continued to offer its navigation and maritime services without interruption since the onset of the Red Sea crisis. In fact, the Canal has expanded its services, introducing new offerings such as maritime rescue, ship repair and maintenance, crew replacement, and marine ambulance services, among others.
The chairman also expressed his appreciation for the longstanding cooperation with MSC Shipping Line, which has helped open new opportunities to utilize the maintenance and repair services offered by the Authority's shipyards. In this regard, he highlighted the successful repair and maintenance of the MSC Rossella III at the Port Said Maritime Shipyard, using the floating dock "Fakhar al Qanah” [the Pride of the Canal].
Rabie added that the collaboration goes beyond periodic maintenance, as the Port Said Maritime Shipyard is also replacing the bow of the container ship MSC RENAISSANCE with a new design that aligns with global trends. The new design, developed with the shipyard's engineering team, aims to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions—a groundbreaking project for a national shipyard.
The chairman also emphasized that the Suez Canal Authority is continuing to implement its ambitious strategy to enhance the canal’s waterway, noting the completion and operation of the Southern Sector Development Project, which enhances navigational safety for large vessels transiting the Canal.
In turn, the CEO of MSC Shipping Line reiterated his commitment to closely monitoring developments in the Red Sea region and expressed hope for a lasting resolution and comprehensive stability in the area. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation and praised the Suez Canal’s ability to respond flexibly to current challenges while understanding the needs of its customers.
Toft also explained that the Cape of Good Hope route is not MSC’s preferred alternative due to the lack of adequate navigation services, which often requires extra caution when transiting. He expressed hope that the region would stabilize soon, allowing MSC Shipping Line vessels to return to the area and resume their transit through the Suez Canal.
The meeting was attended by several members of the authority’s Board of Directors, as well as a delegation from MSC Shipping Line in Egypt, including CEO of MSC Egypt Tarek Fahmy, Director of Operations Development for MSC Egypt Karim Fahmy, Director of Operations in Egypt Ezz El-Din Salem, and Director of Operations for the Suez Canal Region in Egypt Ihab Fathy.
Mon, Mar. 17, 2025
