As of August 6, 2015, the new upgrades to the Suez Canal are fully operational
As of August 6, 2015, the new upgrades to the Suez Canal are fully operational. As a result, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has established a new transit regime, as below:
(1) Traffic system in the Suez Canal including the new Canal shall be as follows:
a. Number of convoys: Two convoys
- The Southbound convoy starts at 0330- direct transit.
- The Northbound convoy starts at 0400- direct transit.
b. Limit Time of Arrival
- Port Said: South of Lat. 31 28 .7 N: This Lat. is limited by Long. 32 00 .27 E & Long. 32 37 .43 E
(2) Pilotage system is applied as before.
(3) The permissible speed: 16 km/hr for ordinary vessels 14 km/hr for tankers.
The new Suez Canal has been equipped with navigational aids: (buoys, bollard pulls and pilotage stations). In addition, an amended Suez Canal Rules of Navigation (August 2015 edition) has been issued along with new electronic charts.
Further details may be found by reading the following alert issued by the American P&I Club
Also visit Suez Canal Authority website
Source:The American P&I Club
