Suez Canal revenue rose 18.5 per cent in the first half of FY 2025/26, with chairman Osama Rabie declaring conditions ready for the full return of global shipping lines, reported Daily News Egypt.

Mr Rabie told representatives of 20 shipping lines that the Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh restored security and stability, reassuring the maritime community over navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Canal statistics showed a 5.8 per cent rise in vessel transits and a 16 per cent increase in net tonnage compared with the same period a year earlier. Mr Rabie said indicators point to continued recovery as lines resume operations.

He described the canal as the most sustainable East-West trade route and highlighted expansion of the southern sector and new maritime services.

Industry leaders signalled confidence. Hani el-Nadi of Maersk confirmed the return of one service as a preliminary step, while CMA CGM's Amr el-Shafei praised early incentives. Hapag-Lloyd's Marwan el-Simmak predicted 2026 would be the "year of return."

The SCA has maintained a 15 per cent discount for containerships of 130,000 tonnes or more and is studying further incentives.

Proposals included an international conference to reassure clients and efforts to reduce insurance costs. LNG operators reported increased inquiries, with Wilhelmsen anticipating growth in 2026.

Mohamed Abdel Qader of the Suez Chamber of Navigation said Maersk's return was a strong reassurance, while Cosco's Hany el-Salamouny noted there is no viable alternative to the canal given the costs of the Cape of Good Hope route.

Deputy chairman Admiral Ashraf Atwa stressed the urgent need for shipping lines to return to safeguard global supply chains. Mr Rabie pledged to study all proposals, including new incentives and training initiatives.