Suez Canal Transit Guide :

Arrival limit

1st Convoy
Fixed arrival limit: 1900 HRS South of latitude 31 28,7 N
In favourable navigational conditions, the limit time for arrivals from North is to be extended as shown below.

Vessels arriving between 1900 and 2100 hrs can join the first southbound convoy against a payment of a surcharge equal to 3%
of he normal transit dues with a maximum of SDR 7000.
Vessels arriving after 2100 hrs and up to 2200 hrs can join the first southbound convoy against the payment of a surcharge equal
to 5% of the normal transit dues with a maximum of SDR 10500.
Vessels arriving after 2200 hrs may join the first southbound convoy, if traffic conditions permit, against the payment of a
surcharge equal to 10% of the normal transit dues with a maximum of SDR 20000.
Movement of Convoy: From 0000 HRS to 0500 HRS

2nd Convoy
Fixed arrival limit: 0300 HRS LT South of latitude 31 28,7 N

In favourable navigational conditions, the limit time for arrivals from North is to be extended as shown below.

Vessels arriving between 0300 and 0400 hrs can join the second southbound convoy against the payment of a surcharge equal
to 3% of the normal transit dues with a maximum of SDR 7000.
Vessels arriving after 0400 hrs and up to 0500 hrs can join the second southbound convoy against the payment of a surcharge
equal to 5% of the normal transit dues with a maximum of SDR 10500.
Vessels arriving after 0500 hrs may join the second southbound convoy, if traffic conditions permit, against the payment of a
surcharge equal to 10% of the normal transit dues with a maximum of SDR 20000.
Vessels allowed to join the second southbound convoy as per Circ No. 2/2003, 3/2003, if they arrive after the limit time stated in
item (a) they have to pay a surcharge of 8% of the normal transit dues with a maximum of SDR 17000, and 10% if they arrive
after the limit time stated in items (b,c) with a maximum of SDR 20000.
Movement of Convoy: From 0630 HRS to 0900 HRS

Please note:
A limited number of vessels can join 2nd Convoy pending on the number of mooring berths at El Ballah, maximum beam to pass
through El Ballah loop is 160 ft and draft is 42 feet.


Vessels entitled to 1st and 2nd Convoy                                                             

1st Convoy includes following vessel types:
VLCC's in ballast
Vessels over 42 feet draft
LPG/LGN vessels loaded or not equiped with a gas free certificate
Vessels over 90.000 Suez Canal Gross Tonnage (SCGRT)
Loaded tankers carrying petroleum grade A or similar (Flash point below 23°C)
Heavy Lifters
Vessels carrying floating units of 300 SCRGT and over
Navy Ships
3rd and 4th generation Container Ships
Vessels carrying chemicals in bulk not fitted with double bottom
Vessels carrying radioactives (Convoy 3)
Vessels carrying dangerous cargo
Vessels carrying deck cargo protruding more than half of the vessels breadth on any side
2nd Convoy exludes following vessel types:
Vessels over 42 feet draft
Vessels with beam over 145 feet at 39,1 feet draft
LPG/LNG vessels loaded or not equipped with gas free certificate
Vessels over 90.000 Suez Canal Gross Tonnage (SCGRT)
Loaded tankers carrying petroleum grade A or similar (Flash point below 23°C)
Navy Ships
Vessels carrying chemicals in bulk not fitted with double bottom
Vessels carrying radioactive substances, dangerous waste (IMDG Convoy 1)

Operators instructions                                                                                          

Following information should be submitted to Sanmar Shipping S.A. in due time prior to vessel's arrival.

Ship's full particulars:

DWT
GRT
NRT
SCNGRT
SCNRT
Flag
Call Sign
Draft
LOA
Beam
In addition any other relevant details, such as, coming from, bound for, master's name, number of crew, etc.
Full style/ address of operator.


Masters instructions                                                                                                

VHF channels in use:
6, 8, (9 main control office, Ismailia), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 71, 73 and 74.

7 / 5 days / 72 / 48 / 24 / 12 Hours ETA notice to:

Sanmar Shipping S.A. Port Said can be reached through Port Said radio.

Master should provide following in first ETA emsg:
Full particulars of ship (scgrt, scnrt, dwt, draft, beam, loa, nationality, call sign, ex names, and date of last transit, type of cargo
and quantity, or if in ballast, gas free or not and IMO class of any dangerous cargo).
If no changes since last transit, please state ‘’particulars no change’’.

Master should include following in his last ETA emsg to the agent:
‘’No bamboats or others are allowed to board my vessel except the officials, pls advise port police accordingly "

Please note:
Information / instructions concerning all other matters should be directed to Sanmar Shipping S.A. who will coordinate and
authorize additional requirements.

Special information for master to avoid unexpected expenses:
Master should know that only authorized personnel are allowed to board his ship and he can always ask for their official license
and/or identification card.

Important:

Do not sign any vouchers/invoices for services not rendered.
All vouchers/invoices should state amount and type of service requested.
Before signing any presented document, master should clarify necessity of particular service offered.
Service requested should be rendered and in a satisfactory manner before signing.
Do not sign/stamp any blank paper. No blank space below signature. ¨
Always keep a photocopy of signed papers onboard.
All spirits (incl. wines) and excess cigarettes must be properly manifested and together with any "x" rated materials to be
placed in bonded store room prior to arrival and request / insist sealing by custom's officer.
Officers/crew to be warned to comply, or otherwise ship may be detained and may be charged for "smuggling".
For sake of good order, master should fax Sanmar Shipping S.A. when entering the canal advising name of ship handler and
type of service rendered.
This also applies if no services have been requested/rendered during ships canal transit/port call.

Documents required                                                                                               

The following documents and certificates should be on board ships passing the Canal:

Suez canal special tonnage certificate and calculation sheet issued by recognized classification society, (in absence of this
certificate the SCA will charge toll on a provisional tonnage usually on grt).
Certificate of Registry, showing latest ship's name and present owners
GA/engine room/capacity plan
Statistical declaration
Copies of cargo manifests and bills of lading (Dangerous / radioactive cargo should be properly manifested and submit stow plan
verified by a competent authority of loading port.)
Declaration concerning use of double bottom tanks and the lower parts of the high tanks.
Declaration concerning vessels in ballast
Declaration concerning state of navigability
Classification certificate
Piping plan and general arrangement for LPG/LNG tankers
Piping plan and general arrangement for LPG/LNG tankers
All other known documents / certificates which a seaworthy trading ship should have on board
Master is required to fill in various forms handed to him by the agent.


First time transit                                                                                                       
Following documents should be mailed to the agent in due time prior to transit.

3 copies of Suez Canal certificate
3 copies of GA plan
3 copies of capacity plan
3 copies of engine room plan

Alternatively, plans can also be handed over by master directly to the SCA inspector on arrival.

Tugs and imposed tugs                                                                                           

In laden:

Under 70.000 SCNT if SCA deem it necessary or if draft exceeds 47 ft, one tug escort
Between 70.000 - 90.000 SCNT, one tug escort
Over 90.000 SCNT, two tugs escort
In ballast:

Over 130.000 SCNT, one tug escort
Ships with beam 218 - 233 ft, one tug. If beam over 233 ft, two tugs
Towed scrap vessels 80.000 SCNT and over, one tug
LPG/LNG vessels from 25.000 SCNT will be escorted by one tug (except if gas free).
If tank on deck completely separated from cargo tanks with maximum tonnage 180 ts will be considered as Gas free.
Exemptions from tug escort:

Laden if carrying other than LPG cargo.
Ballast (NGF) but after a laden voyage with cargo other than LPG.
If in ballast must present a Gas Free Certificate issued by a recognized class or locally authorized survey bureau.


Mooring and Projector                                                                                            

Mooring:
All vessels transiting Canal must hire mooring boats from the Canal Mooring and Light company.
All boats are to assist ship to moor in the Canal ports, in case of need or emergency.
Ship must be equipped with lifting means of 4 Mts. capacity, with valid certificate and must be installed in a position well clear of
the ship's propellers.
Ships with SCGRT up to 2.500 ts should hire one mooring boat.
If over 2.500 ts two mooring boats should be hired.
For the operation of mooring boats three crew (shore men) are boarding per boat.
Ships that cannot lift the Canal mooring boats are allowed to use their own life boats provided same is approved by the pilot.

Please note:
Ship's officers must supervise lifting/lowering of mooring boats ensuring that all safety measures have been properly taken. Ship
remain ultimately responsible for any human accident or damage caused during operation for mooring boats and Canal projector.

Canal projector:
All ships passing the Canal must have onboard a canal projector placed on the axis of the bow, able to illuminate 1800 meters.
Vessels carrying petroleum products (or inflammable substances), LPG/LNG, should have their own "gastight" projector.
Also, ships with bulbous bow must have their own projector unless their bow is 10 ft below sea level, in order not to endanger
lowering and lifting operations to eliminate high risk of accidents.
Vessels that have their own projector should be of approved type and have a certificate of type test issued by a pertinent
recognized authority, being in accordance with the Canal rules.

Ship may be supplied with a portable projector, in which case special installation required.
The so called Floating projector weighs about 22Kgs , and ship should provide capable means for lifting.

Please note:
Ships should supply uninterrupted electricity for smooth and continuous operation of the projector.
For safety reasons the electric cables and connections leading to the projector position, must be permanently fixed and
installed. A gastight junction box must be permanently installed close to the projector.
Irrespective if own or hired projector, two shore electricians will board to operate the projector during transit.
Accommodation should be provided for them.
Ship should comply with above conditions, otherwise subject to transit during day time only. In addition, if the defects are not
restored until third consecutive transit a fine of USD 4.300 is imposed.


Special restrictions                                                                                                  

Height: High bridge airdraft 68 m
Length: No restrictions
Beam: Current maximum permissible beam 245 ft. Ships with beam over 245 ft may be allowed to transit the Canal under
special request. If beam over 210 ft the beam wind should not exceed 10 knots. (See the draft/beam table for further information )
Draft: Ships can transit Suez Canal South or Northbound with up to maximum draft 62ft with beam 175 ft. For ships of larger
beam exist a comprehensive table of SCA, which provides the draft a ship can transit.
Ships passing Canal should not exceed draft of loadline (tropical).
Important: For updated information owners should always consult their agent on this subject.

Please note:
There are special regulations concerning floating units of SCGRT 300 Ts or more depending on type of on carrying ship
(container/heavy lift/vehicle carrier etc.)

Vessels carrying Cement in bulk and/or in containers
are subject to external / internal hull / Cargo inspection and will be treated as regular vessels provided

Containerized cement do not exceed 20% of ship's GRT or 1.000 tons, whichever is less.
Containerized cement to be compactly stowed on ship's deck at highest level and must be precisely located
Containers must be labeled "containing" cement.
Vessels have to be inspected and checked (hull and deck) by a committee of different authorities prior to transiting the Suez
Canal.
No circular is issued in this respect.

Arrival limit at anchorage for vessels carrying cement is at noon.

Container ships carrying containers "In Transit"
When calling at Port Said / Damietta / Alexandria then paying reduced port / light berthing / pilotage dues according to number
of containers in transit with Max reduction 50%
If containers in transit are to be transported between Egyptian ports, 75% reduction on above dues shall apply
If handling containers at port of Damietta, not obliged to send compulsory 48 hours ETA notices for transit. Also, not paying 3%
additional tolls when arrive between 19-21.00 or 03-04.00 hours to join 1st and 2nd Convoy.


Conventional ships carrying deck cargo
Ships carrying deck cargo should stow it in a manner that will provide clear view from the bridge and will not affect visibility,
otherwise the passage may be rejected or extra pilotage will be charged or Canal tug will be imposed. Vessels with deck cargo
protruding from sides in excess of the fixed limits, are allowed to transit provided:

After inspection it is found that there is no problem in excess of the fixed limits.
Depending on the kind and packing condition of cargo on deck the chargeable Canal Tonnage may be increased.
Fixed limits.
The cargo or units on deck should not protrude more than the half of the vessel's breadth, on any side, with a maximum of 15
meters on each side, if the ship's beam exceeds the 30 meters.
Please note:
Cargo on deck, like cars, containers etc. may change classification of vessel to a more expensive Suez Canal toll.

VLCC Ships
SCA is open to applications to accept transit of VLCC partially loaded which will lighten part of their cargo at Suez and proceed
northbound to reload at Port Said. SCA before reply will take into consideration all relevant parameters, having the operation
always under supervision.

ULCC Ships
Ships with the maximum allowed beam of 230 ft - 233 ft may transit with special approval from SCA. Please contact Sanmar
Shipping S.A. for further information.
 
 
Southbound Convoy

Copyright © 2014 Sanmar.gr ·  All Rights reserved  ·  E-Mail: sanmar@sanmar.gr                          Disclaimer   ·   Privacy Policy