The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced an increase on the allowed level of cargo residues on LNG carriers, in a bid to encourage more of these vessels to transit the Suez Canal. This move came as part of the SCA’s efforts to strengthen competitiveness compared to other shipping routes.
In response to the desire of owners and operators of LNG tankers and to encourage more LNG tankers to transit the Suez Canal, the SCA has issued Periodical concerning the portion of cargo residues on LNG tankers including amendment of paragraph 4 of item (H), Art. 96 page 185 of SC Rules of Navigation.
As such, the allowed residues of LNG cargo shall not exceed 5% of the vessel’s summer deadweight ton instead of 2% to grant the LNG vessels the privilege of ballast vessels dues rate.
Under the amendment, LNG vessels passing Suez Canal carrying cargo till 5% of its summer deadweight ton will be treated as ballast vessel rather than loaded one saving 15% of Suez Canal tolls.
This is in effect as of 1 July 2018.
The Chairman of Suez Canal Authority, Mohab Mamesh, has earlier informed that 17,845 vessels crossed the Canal in the season of 2017-2018, up 4.9% from the previous year.
