Suez Canal Transit

Northbound convoy

Arrival limit

• Fixed arrival limit: 2300 hrs. South of Lat. 29 42.8 N limited by long. 32 23.1 E.
• Extensions for favorable conditions:
1. Between 2300 hrs. And 2400 hrs: ships may join the tanker group by paying a 5% surcharge on normal transit dues, capped at SDR 12,500
2. Between 2400 hrs. And 0100 hrs: ships may join the tanker group by paying a 10% surcharge on normal transit dues, capped at SDR 25,000
3. After 0100hrs (if traffic permits): ships may still join by paying 12% surcharge on normal transit dues, capped at SDR 30,000

Movement schedule:

• Convoy movement occurs between 0330hrs and 0800hrs

Cases of Escorting Tugs

1-loaded vessels

• Less than 70,000 N.T: escorted by one tug if the vessel’s draught exceeds 47 feet
• 70,000 – 90,000 SC.N.T: escorted by one tug regardless of draught
• Over 90,000 N.T: escorted by 2 tugs for additional safety

2-Ballast vessels

• Over 130,000 N.T: escorted by one tug during transit
• Beam over 218 feet up to 233 feet: escorted by one tug
• Beam over 233 feet: escorted by 3 tugs

3-special vessel types:

1-P.G. and L.N.G vessels:
• 40,000 – 90,000 SC.N.T (excluding G.F.) or carrying ammonia cargo: escorted by 1 tug
• Over 90,000 SC.N.T escorted by 2 tugs
2-Loaded semi-submersible ships (300 SC.G.T. or more): escorted by one or more tugs, as determined by an SC port office survey.
3-integrated units: escorted by one tug during initial transit.
4-container ships 170,000 N.T. or more: escorted by 2 tugs for enhanced control.
5- Loaded tankers, bulk cargo ships, and chemicals (less than 70,000 SC.N.T and not equipped with double bottom tanks): escorted by one tug.

Cases of Imposed Tugs

A-Safety and emergency requirements:

1-Additional safety measures: the SCA may require one or more tugs for vessels when deemed necessary

2-Mechanical or navigation failures:

• Vessels without mechanical power or with disabled machinery
• Ships with repeated engine or steering failures during the same passage
• Vessels with compromised steering control or other safety concerns

B-Restricted visibility:

Poor visibility from the wheelhouse:

• Ships with obstructed views due to deck cargo, containers, cranes, or structural features
• SC officials will determine the need for towing after a safety survey

C-Anchor and Engine limitations :

1-vessel over 1,500 SC.G.T:

• Unable to use one bow anchor
• Built with a single anchor or multiple anchors with only one operational bow anchor

2-Engine failures:

• Single propeller vessels unable to maintain 10 knots due to engine malfunction.
• Dual-propeller vessels with one engine out of service

D- Special vessels :

1-submarines: escorted by 1 or 2 tugs, depending on condition and SCA survey
2-Aircraft carriers: escorted by 2 tugs to ensure stability
3-Scrapped vessels (under tow): escorted by an SC tug during transit
4-Explosive-carrying vessels: general cargo, multi-purpose, or heavy-lift vessels carrying more than 3 tons of explosives, must be escorted by imposed tugs

The Suez Canal’s narrow channels and high traffic requires precise navigation, making escort tugs crucial for reducing risks of accidents in order to ensure cargo safety, and maintain smooth operations. The SCA’s regulations highlight the significance of ship supply services and escort tugs for various vessel size and types, addressing unique scenarios like mechanical failures, hazardous cargo, and restricted visibility.