China's state-owned shipping company, COSCO, is weighing plans to increase its Suez Canal transits, with three additional ships scheduled to pass through the waterway in the coming period. This development was announced at a meeting between COSCO officials and the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) in Ismailia. The meeting was attended by SCA Chairman Osama Rabie and representatives of 20 shipping lines and agencies.
The plans to increase transits follow the recent passage of OOCL Portugal, a COSCO-affiliated container ship, through the canal on 16 September. This marked the line's first southbound passage since Red Sea tensions disrupted the route. According to Hany El-Sallamy, a general manager at COSCO, the company is serious about expanding its operations through the Suez Canal.
The Suez Canal Authority has taken steps to improve its operational readiness and navigational services to support vessels during routine passages and emergencies. Chairman Osama Rabie stated that the authority's pilots remained prepared, and navigation was proceeding smoothly. The SCA has also modernized its navigational and maritime services to ensure safe and efficient passage for ships.
Other shipping lines, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, have also announced plans to increase their Suez Canal transits. Maersk's Middle East and North Africa representative, Hany El-Nady, reported that the company's canal transits had reached 67 in September, up from eight during the same period in 2025. The company projects 278 transits annually, without specifying when.
The recovery in canal traffic is evident, with vessel traffic rising 27 percent year on year to 1,358 ships in August, and revenue increasing to $567.1 million. However, traffic remains below pre-disruption levels. Regional geopolitical challenges have disrupted supply chains, driven up fuel prices, freight rates, and insurance premiums.
The Suez Canal Authority has been engaging with shipping lines and agencies to address their concerns and provide support. Chairman Rabie invited clients to submit assessments and proposals through the SCA website. The authority's crisis management centre monitors developments around the clock, while its planning department assesses their potential effect on canal traffic.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the SCA's efforts to improve its services and consultations with shipping lines and agencies. Ehab El-Banan, chairman of Clarkson Shipping Agency Company, praised the authority's crisis management and ship repair services, citing the importance of greater regional stability for canal traffic recovery.
Key points
- COSCO considers increasing Suez Canal transits
- Suez Canal traffic rises 27% in August
- Shipping lines announce plans to increase transits
