Suez Canal discussing early toll payments with carriers

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is in talks with several global shipping lines over introducing a new toll structure where charges are levied three or five years in advance in return for a discount.

Mohab Mamish, chairman of the SCA, told The Wall Street Journal: ““We are talking with the big carriers about a scheme to deposit a certain balance and every time their ships transit, a deduction will be made.”

““We will offer in return a discount of around 3% in transit rates,” he added, while confirming that Maersk Line, MSC and CMA CGM are among the carriers involved in talks.