SCA Chief: Suez Canal faces challenges amid regional geopolitical situation

CAIRO - 5 December 2024: Admiral Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) received a delegation from the Egyptian Military Diplomatic Representation Course abroad. 

The delegation was headed by Brigadier General Mohamed Salah El-Din, head of the Military Attachés Department, who was joined by several senior leaders of the authority. 

The visit, held at the Suez Canal Academy for Maritime Training and Simulation in Ismailia, aimed to familiarize the military diplomats with the latest developmental projects in the canal.

This visit is part of the periodic field tours organized by the Military Attachés Department to get the military diplomats acquainted with Egypt's national institutions, their roles, and their contributions. These efforts help ensure Egypt’s strong representation in international forums and highlight the country's achievements.

At the beginning of the visit, Lieutenant General Rabie welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for the efforts invested in preparing qualified personnel for military diplomatic roles. He emphasized the necessity that the diplomats understand Egypt’s development projects, internal situation, and the external challenges the country faces.

Lieutenant General Rabie highlighted the Suez Canal’s strategic position within the international maritime community. He stressed that the canal’s continuous development is vital to maintaining Egypt’s global standing and maximizing the benefits of its unique geographical location. He also pointed out that the establishment of industrial and logistical zones near the canal is crucial for future growth.

Addressing current security challenges, Rabie explained the importance of flexible responses, including direct communication with all partners and stakeholders. He noted that Egyptian military diplomats abroad must be well-informed about the challenges facing the Suez Canal in relation to the regional geopolitical situation.

He also discussed the impact of global trade disruptions, stating that many major shipping lines began using alternative routes, which significantly affected the canal's traffic. This shift has led to disruptions in global supply chains, higher shipping costs, increased marine insurance rates, and consequently, inflation and rising commodity prices for consumers.

To address these challenges, Rabie outlined the Suez Canal’s new ambitious strategy, which focuses on diversifying revenue sources and introducing additional maritime services. These include rescue and marine ambulance services, as well as maintenance, repair, pollution control, waste removal, and yacht berthing services.

He also discussed ongoing plans to develop the canal’s navigational channel, which will enhance safety, increase capacity, and improve the canal’s ability to respond to emergencies.

Brigadier General Mohamed Salah El-Din, head of the Military Attachés Department, expressed his gratitude for the Suez Canal Authority's efforts in overcoming challenges, calling it a model of excellence for Egyptian military diplomats. 

At the end of the visit, Rabie presented the Suez Canal Shield to Salah El-Din, who in turn presented him with the Military Attachés Department Shield.

The delegation then observed a simulated maneuver of ship passage through the canal at the Naval Training and Simulation Academy. Following this, they took a sea tour of the New Suez Canal, visited the Suez Canal Museum, and explored the Tahya Misr Tunnels in Ismailia to witness the achievements firsthand.