Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has instructed the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) to ramp up maritime services and accelerate the localisation of shipbuilding as the country seeks to cement its role as a global trade artery. In a high-level meeting on Monday with SCA Chairman Osama Rabie and Red Sea South Shipyard Chairman Mostafa El-Dougishy, President El-Sisi reviewed the latest developments in the canal's navigation performance and infrastructure upgrades, the presidency said in a statement. The president was briefed on the completion of the canal's southern sector expansion—fully operational since February—as well as the inauguration of the Ismailia water station, which delivers a capacity of 180,000 cubic metres. The SCA has also introduced new marine units into service, part of a broader plan to modernise Egypt's maritime assets. President El-Sisi emphasised the need to boost engagement with major shipping lines and global maritime bodies, particularly amid geopolitical tensions, and to ensure the canal continues to deliver top-tier services. He also called for expanding local shipbuilding capacity, including tugboats and deep-sea fishing vessels using advanced technologies. Efforts are underway to develop an integrated fishing and processing industry, and the president highlighted the importance of these initiatives in creating jobs and supporting economic growth. The Suez Canal remains one of Egypt's most critical sources of hard currency and a vital link for global trade, handling roughly 12 per cent of global commerce. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
