In late December 2025, the Suez Canal Authority reported significant advances. Container ships from CMA CGM and Maersk transited the waterway for the first time in two years - coincident with a strategic grant from Japan to enhance navigational safety.
CMA CGM and Maersk Vessels Report Both Full and Gradual Returns
On December 23rd 2025, the Suez Canal witnessed the passage of CMA CGM Jacques Saade - a 23,000 TEU mega container ship measuring 400 meters long by 62 meters wide with 231,000 gross tonnage - from Morocco to Malaysia southbound, marking its full-capacity return as confirmed by SCA Chairman Admiral Osama Rabie.
CMA CGM's 154,000-tonne Adonis transited northbound, reinforcing French group commitment. Additionally, Maersk Sebarok, with 82,000 gross tonnage capacity and located in Salalah Oman travelled northbound from there towards United States by crossing Bab al-Mandab Strait; marking their inaugural transit post a strategic partnership agreement between SCA and Maersk which initiated gradual resumption.
Rabie described these as the result of intensive marketing efforts, expecting other lines to follow suit and for traffic levels to return to normal by mid-2026. Maersk plans a full return soon while CMA CGM has already resumed operations.
Japan Funds First Diving Support Vessel for SCA Fleet
On December 28th 2025, Egypt and Japan signed a $22 Million Grant Agreement through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for Egypt's first dual fuel diving support vessel (DSV). Witnessed by Minister Rania al-Mashat, SCA Chairman Osama Rabie and Yusuke Suzuki of JICA respectively, this deal funds its construction.
The 45-meter, 620-tonne DSV will run on diesel and natural gas fuel, reaching 12 knots at full speed, accommodating 29 personnel on board, equipped with advanced diving systems, two decompression chambers and waste treatment - providing towing assistance, search & rescue capabilities as well as waste treatment - to ensure safe trade activities of 12 percent of global trade.
Rabie highlighted the DSVs exceptional role in supporting marine rescue teams. SCA anticipates two 190-tonne bollard pull rescue tugboats from Alexandria Naval Yard next year to meet increasing traffic post-Red Sea stability.
Outlook for Canal Traffic and Global Trade
These developments mark a turning point for the Suez Canal, with Rabie projecting gradual improvements by 2026 and eventual return to normal levels by its second half. CMA CGM and Maersk both returning as major carriers has set this waterway back on course towards more efficient global supply chains.
Inchcape Shipping Services provided real-time updates during these changes, encouraging remaining lines to reroute Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab routes via the canal.