On December 23, 2025, the Suez Canal Authority made history when several mega container ships transited through its waters - marking a crucial development and heralding major shipping lines' return after years of disruptions to regional commerce.
CMA CGM's Northbound Transits
For the first time in two years, the Suez Canal witnessed the passage of the CMA CGM Jacques Saade, one of the worlds largest container ships, through the northbound convoy. The LNG-powered vessel, sailing from Morocco to Malaysia, measures 400 meters in length, 62 meters in width, with a gross tonnage of 231,000 tonnes and capacity for 23,000 TEUs. Suez Canal Authority Chairman Admiral Osama Rabie described this as signaling the full-capacity return of CMA CGM vessels.
CMA CGM's trust in this route stems from successful trial runs earlier in December 2025, as Rabie attributes this success to the Authoritys intensive marketing efforts, which persuaded CMA CGM to restore full operations as of December 2025.
CMA CGM Adonis and Maersk Sebarok Join Southern Convoy
Simultaneously, the southbound convoy saw the transit of the 154,000-tonne CMA CGM Adonis, reinforcing CMA CGMs commitment. The Maersk Sebarok, the first Maersk vessel post a strategic partnership agreement with the SCA, also transited southbound from Salalah, Oman, to the United States. Measuring 318 meters long with 82,000 tonnes gross tonnage, it marks the Danish giants gradual resumption.
Rabie acknowledged these events as marking a new phase for the canal, noting their profound impact on global maritime transport. He encouraged other lines to reactivate Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab routes via Suez.
Projection for Traffic Recovery
Suez Canal Authority officials anticipate gradual improvements in navigation rates throughout 2026, reaching normal levels by the second half of the year. This follows a 17.5% year-on-year revenue increase as of late 2025 with fiscal year targets set at $8 billion.
CMA CGM has committed to full schedules, including the reinstatement of services like INDAMEX in January 2026; while Maersk takes a more measured approach through case-by-case transits aided by intelligence and escorting services. Post-Oct 2025 ceasefire stability has allowed Maersk's gradual return.
Inchcape Shipping Services pledged its continued support to customers amid shifts toward improved global trade flows. SCA remains focused on marketing to foster more widespread industry participation.