Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), met with Mr. Juan Pablo Richards, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd’s South Europe Region, at the SCA headquarters in Ismailia to discuss future cooperation and navigation strategies. Senior officials from both organizations attended the productive meeting.

Key discussions centered on Hapag-Lloyd’s upcoming navigation plans, particularly in light of the Gemini Cooperation’s (a partnership between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk) decision to reintroduce the IMX service. This service will now operate on the India–Middle East–Mediterranean route, utilizing the Suez Canal instead of circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope.

Admiral Rabiee welcomed the revival of this service, viewing it as a strong indicator of shipping lines’ continued confidence in the Suez Canal. He underscored the SCA’s ongoing commitment to development and modernization, highlighting efforts to upgrade the Canal’s southern sector and marine fleet, and introduce new navigational services, all undertaken despite prevailing regional challenges, including the Red Sea crisis. Admiral Rabiee encouraged Hapag-Lloyd to reinstate additional services through the Canal, emphasizing the significant economic benefits derived from reduced transit distances, shorter voyage times, and lower operating costs.

Mr. Richards echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Suez Canal’s strategic importance as the most efficient and direct route for global maritime trade. He confirmed that the return of the India–Mediterranean service represents a valuable opportunity, with plans for future expansion contingent upon sustained regional security.

Furthermore, Mr. Richards reiterated Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to investing in Egypt, citing the company’s existing investment of approximately $600 million in the Tahya Misr terminal at Port of Damietta. He commended the SCA’s advancements in developing maritime and logistics services and expressed keen interest in exploring new avenues for cooperation to further strengthen their long-term partnership.

Adm. Rabiee discusses future navigation plans with Hapag-Lloyd