After nearly two years of interruptions, significant container shipping lines have resumed sailing through the Suez Canal, marking an important step toward reinstating a vital trade route. Recently, the CMA CGM Jacques Saade, one of the world’s largest container ships, successfully navigated the canal from Morocco to Malaysia. This LNG-powered vessel, stretching 400 meters and capable of carrying 23,000 containers, is the largest to have traversed the Suez in the last two years. Additionally, the CMA CGM Adonis also completed a northbound transit, while the Maersk Sebarok, recently sailing from Oman to the U.S., marked Maersk’s return to this route.
This revitalization of maritime traffic is seen as a positive development by Egyptian officials, who credit the Suez Canal Authority’s marketing efforts and the recent easing of security tensions in the Red Sea region. Following a ceasefire and a reduction in Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, shipping lines have begun reassessing their operations in the canal, which previously handled about 12% of global maritime trade.
Despite the optimism, challenges still persist. High war-risk insurance premiums continue to deter some shipowners, and while attacks have ceased, security analysts warn that the threat still exists. The resurgence of traffic through the canal is critical for Egypt, which heavily relies on toll revenues. The successful transits may serve as a turning point for the shipping industry, and should security improve, it could signal a recovery from one of the most disruptive periods in maritime trade history.
