Suez: Lloyd’s List announced that Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, was named one of the 100 most influential people in the global shipping industry. The head of the Suez Canal Authority was ranked 75th on the list in the global maritime transport sector in recognition of his efforts to launch an intensive promotional campaign to attract shipping lines to return to the Red Sea and restore confidence in one of the most important arteries of global trade.

According to State Information Service Egypt, this year’s Lloyd’s List included 100 personalities of different nationalities, including executives and leaders of the most important international maritime institutions that contribute to supporting the maritime transport sector. The report highlighted the Egyptian state’s desire for a rapid return to shipping traffic after more than two years of absence due to the Red Sea crisis, which negatively affected the Suez Canal’s revenues.

The report pointed to the Suez Canal Authority’s efforts to accelerate the return of container ships by offering incentives to ship owners. The authority issued incentives of 15% for container ships with a ‘net tonnage for the Suez Canal’ of 130,000 or more, which is roughly equivalent to container ships with a capacity of more than 10,000 TEUs, until December 31. Additionally, the Suez Canal Authority has called on marine insurance companies to reduce insurance fees for Red Sea voyages, aiming to ease the financial burden on ship owners.

The Lloyd’s List report concluded by emphasizing confidence that Rabie’s team will continue to make every effort to ensure that maritime traffic through the Suez Canal quickly returns to normal levels.