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, to discuss future cooperation and navigation plans. The meeting took place at the SCA headquarters in Ismailia and was attended by senior officials from both sides.
Discussions focused on Hapag-Lloyd’s future navigation strategy following the announcement by the Gemini Cooperation, a partnership between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, to resume the IMX service on the India–Middle East–Mediterranean route via the Suez Canal, instead of the Cape of Good Hope.
Admiral Rabiee welcomed the return of the service, describing it as a positive signal of shipping lines’ confidence in the Suez Canal. He emphasized that the Canal continues its development and modernization despite regional challenges, including the Red Sea crisis, through the upgrade of its southern sector and marine fleet, and the introduction of new navigational services.
Rabiee encouraged Hapag-Lloyd to restore additional services through the Canal, highlighting the economic advantages of reduced distance, time, and operating costs.
For his part, Mr. Richards stressed the strategic importance of the Suez Canal as the shortest and fastest route for global shipping. He stated that the return of the India–Mediterranean service is a valuable opportunity that will be expanded in the future, provided regional security remains stable.
Richards also reaffirmed Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to investing in Egypt, noting that the Group has already invested around $600 million in the Tahya Misr terminal at Port of Damietta. He praised the SCA’s progress in developing maritime and logistics services and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in new areas to strengthen the long-term partnership.
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