SCA executive Tamer Hammad has been reported saying revenue would reach $5.7bn in 2016, a 10% increase on the $5.175bn achieved in 2015.
It is a promising sign 15 months on from the $8bn expansion of the Suez Canal which aims to double daily traffic and increase annual revenue to $13bn by 2023.
Revenue dipped 5.3% last year from $5.465bn in 2014, prompting the SCA to unveil a number of toll rebate sweeteners this year to lure back vessels which have taken advantage of low bunker prices by sailing the long way around the Cape of Good Hope. The Suez Canal is the backbone of the ailing Egyptian economy which has struggled since its 2011 uprising which continues to spook tourists and foreign investors alike.
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SCA chairman and md, Admiral Mohab Mameesh, told reporters the authority has received encouraging feedback on a proposed 5% discount on tolls if vessel owners committed to paying five years in advance.
It comes with SCA in negotiations with Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM after offering a 3% discount to each of the world’s three largest container lines if they commit to paying three years in advance.
Admiral Mameesh said the SCA was hopeful of introducing the new payment systems in 2017.
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