As vessel crossings gradually recover from the Suez Canal and the first signs of stabilization in the Red Sea maritime area become visible, the port of Piraeus emerges again as a hub point of entry and transit of goods to the European hinterland.
The prospect of normalization of maritime flows between Asia and Europe strengthens Piraeus’ position as a shipping hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, however, this optimism is overshadowed by a resurgence of piracy off Somalia, which is raising concerns about the safety of ships in the Indian Ocean.
Although the attacks by Somali pirates have a limited and indirect effect on the Suez transits, in contrast to the strong influence of the Houthis, they nevertheless create a climate of uncertainty, at a time when global shipping is trying to regain its stability and redefine international trade flows.
A sign of trust from the Suez Canal
In a meeting held by Admiral Ossama Rabiee, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority SCA, in Ismailia with representatives of 20 shipping companies and agencies, in the presence of deputy chairman Admiral Ashraf Atwa and members of the board of directors, he said that in the period July – October 2025, 4,405 ship crossings with a total tonnage of 185 million tons were recorded, against 4,332 ships and 167.6 million tons in the corresponding period last year.
In October 2025 alone, 229 ships returned, the highest level since the beginning of the crisis.
Admiral Ossama Rabiee, president of the Suez Canal Authority, called on companies to encourage shipping lines to resume transit through the Canal, while expressing his satisfaction at CMA CGM’s initiative to return two oversized containerships, each with a capacity of more than 170,000 tons.
As he stated, “this move is a clear signal of confidence and facilitates the gradual restoration of flows at a time when the global shipping market is looking for stability”.
According to the SCA president, the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit contributed to a partial de-escalation of the tension, while the example of CMA CGM, which brought back two mega-containerships to the Canal, was characterized as particularly positive.
Major shipping companies are considering a return to the Canal
In a summary of the meeting the chairman of the board of the shipping company Clarkson praised the efforts of the Suez Canal Authority to maintain regular communication with all shipping companies and stakeholders in the shipping community. He suggested looking into the possibility of offering incentives linked to the number and tonnage of ships to encourage them to pass through the Canal, anticipating significant progress early next year, God willing.
The representative of the shipping company Maersk confirmed the commitment of the group to increase its investments in Egypt, given the unlimited support from the political leadership. He noted the constructive meeting between the group’s chairman, Mr. Robert Uggla, and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi last month.
The representative of the Gulf Agency, a provider of shipping and logistics services, emphasized the need to coordinate with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to clarify the positive developments in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb region and transmit them to the international shipping community as immediate messages of reassurance.
He also called for a study to integrate the role of the Suez Canal in smart transport projects related to transit trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The CEO of the French container shipping company CMA CGM Egypt & Sudan Cluster, highlighted the strategic relationship between the French shipping company and the Suez Canal Authority, considering the Suez Canal as a real turning point in the development and expansion of the shipping company’s activity from a regional to a global scale.
The CEO of CMA CGM also confirmed that there is no alternative to the Suez Canal, a stance reflected in the group’s commitment to transit through the Canal. He predicted an increase in the group’s voyages through the Suez Canal in the period ahead, especially with the group’s expansion plans and the increased volume of work through the construction of new ships.
For his part, the representative of the Arabian Gulf Marine Trading Co confirmed that the shipping company EVERGREEN is ready to resume the passage through the Suez Canal once the situation in the region is fully and permanently stabilized.
The representative of the COSCO Shipping Agency, said that the next period will bring radical changes in the international shipping community, including the reduction of freight rates and the change in the balance of supply and demand. This, he believes, will help bring many shipping companies back to the Suez Canal, especially with the return of stability to the region.
The representative of Crystal Shipping Agency, praised the marketing and pricing policies adopted by the Authority, which he said are tailored to the needs of ships passing through the Canal.
The Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority closed the meeting by emphasizing the immediate consideration of all submitted proposals and calling on all shipping companies to conduct trial voyages with their containers through the Suez Canal.
Support measures and investments from the Canal
It is noted that SCA has activated discounts on transit fees, strengthening its fleet of tugboats while also proceeding with expansions. The development of the Southern Sector has already been completed, as well as the deepening of the 17 km long Port Said Western Branch to provide an alternative transit in case of emergency.
It is noted that until December 2023 before the outbreak of the Houthi attacks, an average of 72-75 ships passed through the Suez Canal per day, over 26,000 crossings per year. After the onset of the crisis, the number of crossings fell dramatically to 35-40 ships per day, a drop of 45%-50%.
The port of Piraeus is a protagonist in Ultra – Large Container Ships (ULCS)
At the same time, the port of Piraeus continues to strengthen its role as one of the most modern and strategic ports of the Mediterranean, ready to welcome the new generation of ultra-large container ships (ULCS).
Spearheaded by the PCT Container Terminal, Piraeus now boasts depths of up to 18 meters and Super-Post-Panamax gantry cranes, capable of handling vessels over 24 rows in width — specifications that put it in the same category as Europe’s largest port hubs. At the same time, the port of Thessaloniki also enters the game of mega-ships.
Within the next two weeks, the signing of the contract for the extension of the 6th wharf is expected. With the project, with a budget close to 200 million euros, THA will be able to serve ships of up to 24,000 TEUs, strengthening its role as a strategic hub for the Balkans and Southeast Europe.
According to Alphaliner’s latest figures ULCS have now overtaken Neo-Sub-Panamax in total tonnage, taking the top spot in the global fleet.
This development marks a definitive shift in the industry towards giant ships, which offer economies of scale, energy efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint.
The port of Piraeus, spearheaded by the PCT Container Terminal, is expected to play a leading role in the management of such oversized ships.
The country’s largest port with depths of up to 18 meters and state-of-the-art Super-Post-Panamax gantry cranes, has the ability to serve ships of more than 24 lines, standing worthy of the largest hubs in Europe.
The prediction made by Alphaliner as early as the first quarter of 2025 is confirmed as the year draws to a close.
The latest estimates show that vessels above 15,000 TEU will reach a total capacity of more than 8.3 million TEU (Mteu) by the end of December.
In total, 432 ships of this class are already in service, with a combined tonnage exceeding 8 Mteu, making the giant ships a dominant force in liner shipping.
In contrast, Neo-Sub-Panamax, vessels between 5,100 and 10,000 TEU, although still numerous with around 1,100 units in operation, contribute a total of less than 8.1 Mteu to the global fleet, with a limited increase of 0.3 Mteu in the year.
Alphaliner, through the Monthly Monitor, points out that shipping companies’ shift to ULCS reflects the continued pursuit of economies of scale, lower costs per unit carried and improved energy efficiency, in an environment where pressure to decarbonise and optimize routes is becoming ever more intense.