Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, affirmed on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the Authority’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and cooperation with Arab ports, particularly in the areas of training and the provision of various maritime and logistical services. He made these remarks during the 64th meeting and 32nd General Assembly of the Board of Directors of the Union of Arab Maritime Ports in Doha.
Rabie explained that the Suez Canal is implementing an ambitious strategy to maximize its capabilities in providing maritime and logistical services and localizing maritime industries within its companies and shipyards. He noted that the Authority aims to expand into international and Arab markets to promote its products, including auxiliary maritime units.
The Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority highlighted the significant infrastructure development the canal has undergone with the completion of the Southern Sector Development Project, describing it as a qualitative leap that will enhance the canal’s competitiveness.
Lieutenant General Rabie also addressed the impact of the turbulent situation in the Red Sea region and its negative effects on the decline in Suez Canal traffic, the movement of exports and imports for many Arab countries, and the drop in revenue for ports operating in the region over the past year. He expressed hope that the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab region would return to lasting stability, citing recent positive indicators in the area.
During the meeting, a proposal was discussed to establish a regional maritime accident research center in cooperation between the Suez Canal Authority and the Secretariat of the Union of Arab Ports. The initiative would be implemented through the Authority’s Maritime Training and Simulation Academy to conduct maritime accident investigations and present findings to the Union’s Secretariat.
