The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has formally withdrawn a 15% transit rebate that had been extended to large container vessels, with the suspension coming into force on April 7, 2026. The move was confirmed through an official circular published on the SCA’s website on April 2, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
A Discount Designed to Win Back Traffic
The rebate, which was first introduced in May 2025, was put in place as a direct response to a significant drop in container ship transits through the canal. According to Ship & Bunker, widespread route diversions at the time were driven by security risks in the Red Sea, primarily linked to Houthi-related attacks on commercial vessels. The discount was intended to make the Suez route financially attractive enough to lure operators back.
Brief Recovery, Then a Reversal
Ship & Bunker reports that a temporary reduction in Houthi-linked hostilities toward the end of 2025 did prompt a portion of container operators to resume canal transits. However, that recovery has since stalled. Renewed regional tensions connected to Iran have led many carriers to once again reroute away from the Red Sea corridor, citing sustained security concerns.
With the rebate now cancelled and traffic volumes under renewed pressure, the SCA’s latest decision marks a notable shift in its approach to incentivising boxship passage through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
