Despite major shipping lines rerouting some services and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Suez Canal Authority reports that vessel traffic remains unaffected and is proceeding normally through the vital trade route. Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), stated on Tuesday that "Traffic through the Canal is flowing normally in both directions." These remarks coincide with the commencement of negotiations between shippers and carriers for long-term annual contracts. On Monday, the waterway accommodated 56 vessels, totaling 2.6 million gross tons. Rabie emphasized that the outbreak of the Iran war has not impacted navigational services, which are operational 24/7. It is noted that the largest container ships and product tankers have been diverting around the tip of Africa since late 2023, following Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea in support of Gaza, with threats of resuming such actions.