Rabie: "The return of Maersk Group container ships represents a step in the right direction towards the optimal path for the sustainability of global supply chains.

CMA CGM shipping line to fully resume operations in December.

Clerk: "The return of Maersk ships to transit the Suez Canal is an initiative that will be followed by the return of many other shipping lines."

Maritime Tickers' prediction proved correct when it wondered whether an agreement would be signed for Maersk to return to transiting the Suez Canal

Today the Suez Canal Authority  ( SCA ) and Maersk A.P. Moller-Maersk Group announced in a joint press release the resumption of the group's container ships transiting the Suez Canal starting at the beginning of December, paving the way for a full return. This announcement followed bilateral discussions. The two sides concluded their discussions by signing a strategic partnership agreement.

Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of SCA and Mr. Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, witnessed the signing ceremony of the strategic partnership agreement between the Suez Canal Authority ( SCA )  and A.P. Moller-Maersk Group at the new marina building in Ismailia Governorate. The agreement builds upon decades of joint cooperation and aims to establish a comprehensive framework for future collaboration.

A step in the right direction

For his part, admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of SCA ,emphasized that the return of container ships belonging to the Maersk Group represents a step in the right direction, aligning with the optimal path for the sustainability of global supply chains as the shortest, fastest, and safest shipping routes connecting East and West.

Rabie added that the strategic partnership agreement is a cornerstone of the future relationship between the two sides, opening new horizons for cooperation in various maritime and logistical fields. It also aims to restore the movement of the group's vessels through the Suez Canal, which saw 1,158 ships transit in 2023 with a total net tonnage of 127 million tons, generating revenues of $733 million.

ُ Enhancing stability in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb region

 Rabie explained that the peace summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh succeeded in enhancing  stability in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb region, paving the way for the return of maritime traffic in the area to its normal levels in the coming period. He noted that canal traffic statistics showed several positive indicators during October and November of this year, with expectations of further improvement and recovery in the coming period. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his efforts in defusing the crisis, ending the war, and restoring stability to the region.

The Chairman of SCA highlighted the immediate and direct impact of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, noting its success in achieving its goals of restoring stability to the region. He pointed to the recovery in Suez Canal traffic, with 1,136 vessels transiting the canal in October, carrying a net tonnage of 47.1 million tons and generating $372.9 million in revenue. This compares to 1,136 vessels transiting in October of the previous year, carrying a net tonnage of 40.4 million tons and generating $322.1 million in revenue.

 Suez Canal traffic statistics for November

 Rabie also discussed the expected Suez Canal traffic statistics for November, anticipating a continued recovery with 1,156 vessels transiting, carrying a net tonnage of 48.5 million tons and generating $383.4 million in revenue. This compares to 1,000 vessels transiting in November of the previous year, carrying a net tonnage of 38.3 million tons and generating $300.6 million in revenue.

Admiral  Rabie  revealed that intensive discussions will be held with all shipping lines in the coming period to review and adjust sailing schedules and the timing of ships' return to transit the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. He noted the positive results of the advanced discussions held with CMA CGM, which led to a decision to fully resume transit through the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb Strait in December. He praised the fruitful cooperation with shipping agencies as partners in overcoming obstacles and enhancing communication with clients.

 Communicating with all shipping lines

 Rabie emphasized that since the outbreak of the Red Sea crisis, the Suez Canal Authority has been proactive in communicating with all shipping lines, strengthening and diversifying its service network, and bolstering its fleet with various types of new marine vessels. He added that the Authority has also adopted a package of flexible pricing policies, including a 15% discount for container ships with a tonnage exceeding 130,000 tons.

Suez Canal is the most efficient waterway for global trade

On the Other Hand Mr. Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, expressed his appreciation for the Suez Canal Authority's policies in addressing various challenges, emphasizing that direct and effective communication between the two sides has remained uninterrupted throughout the past period.

Clerc stressed that the Suez Canal is the most suitable and efficient waterway for global trade between East and West. He noted that the security challenges witnessed in the Red Sea region over the past two years have led to increased shipping costs and freight rates, affecting all countries worldwide.

He explained that Maersk Group places great hope in the peace agreement signed in Sharm El Sheikh and the subsequent global momentum toward de-escalation. This has been accompanied by a calming of the security situation in the Red Sea, culminating in the signing of the strategic partnership agreement as a crucial step toward the resumption of shipping through the Suez Canal. He anticipates a full return to transiting the canal soon.

In closing, Clerc expressed his hope to see Maersk's large vessels transiting the Suez Canal at full capacity again, and for the canal to regain its pre-crisis shipping volumes.

Related : Will Maersk take the initiative and announce its full return to the Suez Canal on November 25th?

It is noteworthy that the signing ceremony was attended by Admiral Ashraf Atwa, Vice Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, and members of the Authority's Board of Directors. Representing the Maersk Group were Mr. Ahmed Hassan, Vice President of Operations for A.P. Moller-Maersk, and Mr. Hani El-Nadi, A.P. Moller-Maersk Group Representative for the Middle East and North Africa. The agreement was signed by Engineer Gamal Abu El-Kheir, Director of the Presidential Administration at the Suez Canal Authority, and Ms. Rabab Boulos, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Executive Board of A.P. Moller-Maersk Group.
 A.P. Moller-Maersk,,  ( SCA )  CMA ,  Strategic Partnership Agreement,  Sharm El-Sheikh ,El-Sisi ,Vincent Clerc,, admiral Osama Rabie ,Ashraf Atwa, . Rabab Boulos, December