Egypt Daily News – Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, announced the issuance of incentives and a 15% discount on transit fees for container ships with a net tonnage of 130,000 tons or more (whether loaded or empty), starting Thursday, May 15, 2025, and lasting for 90 days.
He explained that this decision comes in response to the demands of many clients, including ship owners and operators, and aims to encourage major shipping lines to return to transiting the Suez Canal in light of the favorable conditions and the relative stability and calm in the Red Sea region. This announcement came during his meeting with Michele Quaroni, the Italian Ambassador to Cairo, to discuss avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, held at the Guidance Building in Ismailia.
Rabie emphasized the Authority’s commitment to enhancing its role in supporting global supply chains and serving international trade between East and West, by strengthening relationships with clients and success partners in the global maritime community.
He also highlighted the Authority’s continuous efforts to keep up with the rapid changes in the maritime transport industry and to effectively address current challenges in the Red Sea region. This is achieved through continuous and effective communication with all concerned parties in the international maritime community, meeting customer needs, and achieving mutual interests.
The Chairman of the Authority explained that the Suez Canal is pursuing an ambitious strategy to develop and modernize its maritime and logistical services, and is seeking to form partnerships with major global companies in various maritime fields. He expressed hope for opening new prospects for bilateral cooperation with Italian maritime companies.
For his part, Ambassador Michele Quaroni affirmed the strong ties between the two countries, particularly their deep-rooted cultural and historical heritage. He noted Italy’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the economic and maritime sectors.
The Italian Ambassador also expressed his interest in following developments in the Red Sea region, given the strategic importance of the Suez Canal to global trade. He expressed hope for continued stability in the region and for navigation rates in the canal to return to their previous levels.
Quaroni praised Egypt’s efforts to restore stability in the Red Sea and its consistent calls for peaceful solutions to end conflicts and restore peace in the region.
He also showed interest in activating joint cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority in areas such as shipbuilding and ship maintenance at the Authority’s shipyards. He pointed out Italy’s interest in maritime tourism and encouraged Italian yachts to transit through the Suez Canal and dock at its marinas instead of sailing around the Cape of Good Hope.
The visit also included a tour of the Suez Canal Museum and the Suez Canal Yacht Marina in Ismailia.
