The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has cancelled the 15 per cent rebate previously granted to large container ships transiting the waterway.
The decision takes effect from 7 April 2026.
The suspension applies to laden and ballast containerships with Suez Canal Net Tonnage of 130,000 tonnes or above, whether transiting northbound or southbound.
In its latest periodical, the SCA said it had suspended Circular No. 3/2025, issued on 13 May 2025, as well as Periodical No. 29/2025, issued on 17 November 2025.
Both measures related to the 15 per cent rebate for qualifying container vessels.
The original rebate was introduced for container ships of 130,000 tonnes or more and applied to vessels transiting in both directions. At the time, it was set to run from 15 May 2025 for an initial 90-day period.
The new circular does not provide further detail beyond confirming the suspension and its effective date.
The change also comes at a time when hopes of a broader recovery in Suez traffic remain uncertain. Recent regional instability has continued to weigh on routing decisions, limiting the canal’s expected comeback among container lines.
For more information:
Suez Canal Authority – https://www.suezcanal.gov.eg/English/Pages/default.aspx
