Suez Canal unveils ship waste collection service to advance green canal vision

EGYPT – The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has launched an innovative ship waste collection service, a key milestone in its broader ambition to become the world’s first “green canal” by 2030.

The announcement was made during the Authority’s “Day of Excellence” celebrations, an annual event that recognizes progress and innovation in the canal’s operations.

At the event, Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the SCA, outlined recent advancements, including adding 24 state-of-the-art maritime units to its operational fleet.

He noted that these investments are aimed at strengthening navigation safety, boosting efficiency, and ensuring the canal’s continued competitiveness in the global shipping industry.

The newly launched waste collection service—a partnership between the SCA and V Group, a Greek maritime solutions company—will initially focus on collecting solid ship waste.

In the coming phases, the program will expand to include the handling of liquid waste, alongside the construction of a facility to convert waste into alternative fuel, promoting circular economy practices within the maritime sector.

Designed to comply with European environmental regulations and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) pollution prevention standards, the service represents a major step forward in aligning the Suez Canal with global sustainability benchmarks.

V Group President Veron Vassiliadis emphasized the partnership’s significance, calling it “a new era of sustainability and cooperation.”

He reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to reducing marine pollution through investment in innovative, eco-friendly technologies and support for global decarbonization goals.

The waste collection initiative is part of the SCA’s broader green strategy, which includes expanding renewable energy use, improving vessel traffic management, and reducing the environmental footprint of canal operations.

As a key artery for global trade—linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea—the Suez Canal handles around 12% of global maritime trade.

Enhancing its environmental credentials could set a strong precedent for green transformation across international shipping lanes.

With growing global attention on carbon emissions, marine pollution, and sustainable shipping, the Suez Canal’s latest initiative signals its commitment to long-term ecological responsibility while supporting the maritime industry’s transition to a greener future.

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