Members will recall that further to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ICS and the Suez Canal Authority in May 2022 (CAN(22)08), a formal framework for communication was established to ensure at least one annual physical meeting and strong interim communication between the parties on issues of mutual interest. 

Under this framework, and following a number of changes to the SCA toll structure in the intervening months (included at Annex B), an ICS delegation held further physical meetings on 28 February with the SCA to discuss ongoing concern about operational process, including transit toll changes, safety and security of vessels and the plans for the canal to develop green pricing strategies. The attached meeting report (Annex A) provides an overview of the key outcomes from these meetings. 

Members will be kept informed of progress on these issues and are kindly invited to direct comments or questions on these developments to