Canal Restrictions:
Height: 68 meters at High Water (As from 1st July 2000).
Length: No Restrictions.
Beam: Maximum Beam Currently Permitted D: 245 ft.
Ships with beam over 210 ft are allowed to transit in calm weather i.e. side wind not to exceed 10 knots.
Ships with beam over 245 ft may transit after special permission from SCA, under certain conditions and extra expenses.
Draft: A) Loaded Ships can transit Suez Canal both ways on maximum draft 58 ft corresponding to beam 163 ft 09 in.
(There are tables available showing an inverse relation between beam and draft).
B) Ships in Ballast Beam up to 245 ft, maximum draft Fore 32 ft – Aft 36 ft. For Beam over 245 ft is need prior approval from SCA.
Attention: Ship’s draft must not exceed tropical line.
Minimum Speed: Tankers group 15 Kilometers/hour, Other types 16 Kilometers/hour.
I) Suez Canal Dues.
· Determination and Payment of the Suez Canal Dues:
1- The Dues rates are Determined on the Basis of SDR Units (SDR Means Special Drawing Right),
2- Dues Calculated on this Basis are Payable in one of the Hard Currency Declared by the Exchange Control According to Rates of Currency in Relation, to SDRs as Declared by the International Monetary Fund.
Art. 107 “Determination and Payment of the Suez Canal Dues”
Check the Last Update of SDR Rate at:
http://www.imf.org/
· Transit Dues:
1- Transit dues are assessed on SC.N.T. (Suez Canal Net Tonnage)
2- Transit dues rates will be levied according to the last circular to be issued by SCA. (Circular No. 3/2001 "Suez Canal Transit Dues As of January 1,2002)
3- Transit dues are payable in advance.
· Division of transit :
A reduction of a quarter, half or three quarters of the transit dues is allowed to vessels using only three quarters, half or one quarter of the Canal. Once a vessel just entered the Canal; a quarter of transit dues is to be levied.
Art. 101 “Canal Dues”
· Suez Canal Tonnage:
The tonnage on which all dues and charges to be paid by vessels, as specified in these regulations, are assessed, is the net tonnage resulting from the system of measurement laid down by the International Commission held at Constantinople in 1873, and duly entered, on the special certificates issued by the competent authorities in each country.
In assessing the dues, any alteration of net tonnage subsequent to the delivery of the above-mentioned certificates is taken into account.
Art. 97 “Suez Canal Tonnage”
· Measurement of Other Spaces to Be Added to Net Tonnage:
The tonnage of such spaces shall be ascertained by multiplying together the mean, breadth and depth of such spaces and dividing the product by 100 or 2.83, according to the measurements taken in English feet or meters, and the quotient so obtained shall be deemed to be the tonnage of such space, and shall be added to the other tonnage in order to determine the gross tonnage or total capacity of the ship.
Art. 10 “Computation of Tonnage”
· Double Bottom Tanks Utilization:.
A) When any bottom space is utilized over 6 inches for the carriage
Of bunker during the transit of the Canal, it’s cubical capacity
Will be added to the tonnage.
B) Contrary, however, to the rules now in force, this addition will
Not be a permanent character, the cubical capacity of the said
Spaces will only by added to the tonnage when they are utilized.
· Dock Loads:
Unfixed and unenclosed deck loads are not included in the measurement. Closed deck loads including containers on weather deck of cargo ships are to be included in the measurement.
Art. 97 “Suez Canal Tonnage”
· Protrusion:.
(1) Deck cargo is to be stowed in a way so as to provide clear view
From the navigating bridge while transiting the Canal, as well as
Not to affect the vessel's stability.
(2) The deck cargo should not protrude more than half the vessel's
Breadth on any side, with a maximum of 15 meters on each side if
Breadth exceeds 30 meters.
(3) If the protrusion exceeds the maximum allowed, each case is to be
Studied separately and an additional due of 2% of the transit dues is
Levied on each foot or fraction of foot in excess.
Art.26 - Deck Cargo:
· Vessels carrying floating units on Deck.:
Vessels carrying floating units on Deck other Than (Submersible & Heavy Lift) Shall Pay a Surcharge of 100% of the Floating Units Normal Suez Canal Gross Tonnage (SCGT) Transit Dues.
Vessels that are Subject to the Dues Levied on General Cargo Ships shall be exempted from the Said Surcharge.
Circular No. 2/2002
· Vessels Without a Valid Special Tonnage Certificate :
a) Every vessel not provided with a valid special tonnage certificate showing the net tonnage prescribed by the Constantinople commission, is measured by the CA Officials in conformity with the Rules laid down by the Constantinople commission.
b) The net tonnage thus arrived at, is provisionally used for the assessment of dues, until such time as the vessel tenders at a subsequent transit, a special certificate duly drawn up by the competent authorities.
c) If there are any difficulties in assessment of the net tonnage, especially in Maiden voyage, the dues shall be levied provisionally on the gross tonnage until measured in other trips.
Art. 97 “Suez Canal Tonnage”
· Regulations concerning the ” Containerships ” :
A- The (Containers) are closed space increasing the carriage capacity of the ship when situated over the main deck (weather deck).
They are considered as a ship's permanent equipment. It is a matter of fact that those in the cargo holds are included in the unreduced tonnage. A surcharge on Canal dues relevant to number of tiers on weather deck is taxed.
6% For Vessels Carrying up to Three Tiers of Containers on Deck.
8% For Vessels Carrying Four Tiers of Containers on Deck.
10% For Vessels Carrying Five Tiers of Containers on Deck.
14% For Vessels Carrying More Than Five Tiers of Containers on Deck.
B- Conditions to consider the containers as part of the ship's permanent equipment:
(1) They must belong to:
a) The ship's owner.
Or b) The time charterer.
Or c) The container's consortium.
Or d) Containers leasing company.
(2) They must bear a serial number as well as the owner's name.
(3) They must be registered on the ship's official documents.
(4) The Master of the containerships must assure to SCA Representatives all facilities concerning the measurement and number of containers, their internal capacities and the kind of cargo contained.
(5) Containerships are considered in ballast:
a) If all containerships on the main deck as well as those inside the
Cargo holds are empty.
b) If the main deck is clear and there are empty containers in the
Cargo holds; in this case, a ratio of 6% of the SC dues is to be
Added.
C- Presence of uncontainerized cargo 300 metric ton or more, other than floating unit, on board (in holds/or on upper deck) container vessels.
The actual volume of containers on deck are to be added to the taxable tonnage.
D- Con-bulker vessels:
This type of vessels will be treated, regarding dues and tonnage as follows:
(1) If the vessel carries dry bulk cargo only, the rate of loaded dry bulk carriers is applied.
(2) If the vessel carries containerized cargo only, the rate of loaded container vessel is applied, plus the surcharge on dues relevant to number of tiers on weather deck.
(3) If the vessel carries bulk cargo & containers, the rate of laden container vessel is applied. Meanwhile, the actual volume of containers on upper deck is taxed.
(4) When the vessel is completely empty, transit dues of ballast dry bulk carriers are applied.
(5) If the vessel is carrying empty containers only, the rate of ballast container vessel is applied, plus the surcharge on dues relevant to number of tiers on weather deck.
Art. 98 “Regulation Concerning ContainerShips”
· Regulations to be applied to cargo ships carrying containers on weather deck :
The volume of the containers on deck is to be added to the taxable tonnage:
(1) If such containers are full, the ship is considered loaded.
(2) If such containers are empty and the ship is in ballast, the ship is considered in ballast.
(3) If some of the containers are empty and others are full, the ship is considered loaded even if the ship is in ballast.
(4) If the containers on the main deck as will, as those in the holds are empty, the vessel is considered loaded.
(5) If there are no containers on the main deck, but they are in the holds, the ship is considered loaded even if the containers are empty.
Art. 99 “cargo ships carrying containers on weather deck”
· Computation of tonnage and state of vessels Roll-On/ Roll-Off carrying containers:
A- Computation of tonnage:
(1) If the containers on the main deck not exceed 2 tiers:
- A ratio of 5% of the vessel's net tonnage is be added to the ship's net tonnage on the condition that the tonnage of these containers should not exceed 20% of the vessel's SC.N.T.
(2) If the tonnage of the 2 tiers exceeds the 20% of the vessel's SC.N.T:
- The difference is added to the taxable tonnage.
(3) If the number of tiers of containers is more than 2 tiers:
- The tonnage of tiers of containers exceeding the 2 tiers is to be added to the taxable tonnage even if the tonnage of the first 2 tiers is less than 20% of the vessel's SC.N.T.
B-State of Vessel:
(1) The vessel is considered in ballast, in the following conditions:
a) If all the containers and/or the ship's rolling equipment over the
Main deck, as well as those inside the cargo holds are empty.
b) If the main deck is clear and there are empty containers inside
The cargo holds and the rolling equipments are empty; in this
Case, a ratio of 5% of the net tonnage is to be added to the
Taxable tonnage.
(2) The vessel is considered loaded, in the following condition:
The presence of any loaded containers and/or rolled cargo.
(3) These regulations do not apply to Roll-On /Roll-Off vessels
Carrying containers if they carry besides any bulked or staked
Cargo. In this case, they are considered as Conventional Cargo
Ships.
(4) By rolling equipment above mentioned - and which are considered as permanent ship's equipment - it is understood the ship's cranes tractors and trailers.
Art. 100 “Computation of tonnage and state of vessels
Roll-On/ Roll-Off carrying containers”
· Additional Dues on Slow Vessels:
Additional transit dues are levied on slow vessels on the basis indicated hereunder:
Ship's speed is less than the speed
Of the vessels of her group in the Additional Dues
Convoy, by not more than
1 Km/H 10% of the transit dues
2 Km/H 20% of the transit dues
3 Km/H 30% of the transit dues
4 Km/H 40% of the transit dues
5 Km/H 80% of the transit dues
6 Km/H or more 160% of the transit dues
Art. 101 “Canal Dues”
· Trial Charges:
For the safety of navigation, trials may by requested by the SCA before entering the Canal or resuming the transit.
A pilot will supervise the trials.
A charge of (170 U.S. Dollars) is to be paid by the vessel for each pilot or Canal expert for each trial.
If trials are made outside Canal Waters. The charge will be (340 U.S. Dollars).
Art. 104 “Trial Charges”
· Charges for SCA Tugboats:
Will be levied according to the last circular to be issued by S.C.A.
A- Charges for harbour tugs applied at Port Said Harbour:
(1) Vessels transiting the Canal are free of charge.
(2) For other vessels, are payable for mooring or getting underway:
Will be levied according to the last circular to be issued by S.C.A.
These charge are payable each time the CA sends one or two tugs to
Assist in maneuvering the vessel; if more than two charges will be as
Above.
(3) In case of changing berth, the charges are doubled.
B- Rates of Escorting Tugboats (see Art.58):
A unified Canal passage rate of 6 600 SDR. Is to be paid for each
Escorting tug in the following cases:
(1) Loaded vessels under 130 000 tons DWT when for technical reasons
The SCA finds it necessary.
(2) Loaded vessels of 130 000 tons DWT and over.
(3) Vessels in ballast over 250 000 tons DWT.
(4) Vessels with draught over 47 feet.
C- Hire of Tugboats:
(1) Tariff per tug:
Will be levied according to the last circular to be issued by S.C.A.
a) Hire is reckoned from the time of starting preparations to get
Underway and ceases when tug returns to its base.
b) Fractions of an hour will be reckoned as full hour.
c) Hire charges are increased by 10% when tug is used after
Official hours and on Fridays or Public Holidays.
d) Hire charges are increased by 100% when tug is used outside
Canal Waters.
e) Hire charges outside the Territorial Waters are to be agreed
Upon with SCA.
f) This tariff may be revised every 3 months without notice.
(2) The tariff is applied in the following conditions:
a) Towing of vessel or floating unit in Canal Waters.
b) If the towed vessel or unit calls for the assistance of one or
More of the Authority tugs to help or escort during the towing operation. Or if the Authority considers it necessary to escort the towed unit by one or more of its tugboats to ensure the safety of transit.
c) In case SCA Officials consider the transit of a vessel dangerous
To navigation due to defects in the vessel, such as engine
Trouble, etc., or bad view. In such a case the vessel will be
Escorted by tug or more.
d) In case of refloating a vessel, except for vessels aground or stopped in the Canal, in consequence of an accident other than collision, and obstructing the passage for other vessels: the refloating is free of charge.
e) In any other cases of hiring of tugboats.
(3) Hire of Plant other than tugboats:
The tariff for the hire of other plant is at the disposal of clients at SC
Offices.
Art. 105 “Charges for SCA Tugboats”
· Cases of Imposed Tugs :
Chargeable tugs shall be imposed during Canal transit in the following cases:
(1) The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the Canal, when in its judgement such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the Canal.
(2) Any vessel without mechanical power or the machinery of which is/or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the Canal.
(3) Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
(4) Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers, cranes or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
(5) a- Vessels unable to use one of both anchors. (Ref. Art.23).
b- Vessels over 1500 SC.G.T. Built with one anchor.
c- Vessels over 1500 SC.G.T. Built with more than one anchor if only
One of them on the bow.
(6) Drilling vessels.
(7) Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate.
(8) Vessels with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order.
(9) On Master's request for one tug or more.
Art. 57 “Cases of Imposed Tugs”
· Escorting :
Escorting the ships transiting the Suez Canal is effectuated according to the SC net tonnage and not the summer dead weight.
The escort of VLCC's, ULCC's, L.P.G, L.N.G, Large Bulk carriers and other vessels, will be as follows:
(1) Loaded vessels less than 70,000 SC N.T. Will be escorted by one tug if for technical reasons SCA finds it necessary, or when the vessels draught is more than 47 feet.
(2) Loaded vessels from 70,000 SC N.T. To 90,000 tons will be escorted by one tug.
(3) Loaded vessels over 90,000 SC N.T. Will be escorted by two tugs.
(4) Vessels in ballast over 130,000 SC N.T. Will be escorted by one tug.
(5) L.P.G., and L.N.G. over 25,000 SC N.T. (Except G.F), will be escorted by one tug.
(6) Vessels in ballast with beam over 218 feet up to 233 feet will be escorted by one tug.
(7) Vessels in ballast with beam over 233 feet will be escorted by two tugs.
(8) Towed scrapped vessels in ballast 80,000 SC N.T. And over will be escorted by one tug.
Art. 58 “Escorting”
· Berthing Dues:
A- Vessels in harbours and not transiting the Canal:
(1) Vessels not intending to transit the Canal and anchoring or mooring in port said Harbour, Timsah Lake, G.B.L. anchorage, have to pay berthing dues follows:
a) 1st day till 10th. 5 U.S. Cent / Net Ton / Day
b) 11th day till 20th. 10 U.S.Cent / Net Ton/ Day
c) 21st day till 30th. 20 U.S Cent / Net Ton / Day
d) Over 30 days. 30 U.S. Cent/ Net Ton / Day
If the vessel stays more than thirty days and without crew, the SCA has the right to shift the vessel outside the berthing area on account of the vessel's owner.
(2) Units or vessels authorized by official authorities to offer services in harbour (as launches, barges, bunkering barges, tugs, floating cranes, floating silos, hopper barges or any floating unit serving the harbour): have to pay a rate of (5 U.S. Cent/Net Ton/Day SC.V.T.).
B- Transiting Vessels:
(1) Berthing dues are not payable by transiting vessels for the first 24 hours in harbour of arrival. The untaxable period can be increased if the vessel is delayed from transit due to traffic conditions in the Canal.
(2) If during the Canal transit, the vessel stops in any of the anchorages of Bitter Lake, Timsah Lake or the port of Port Said for reasons from the vessel herself, berthing dues will be paid as mentioned in para. A above.
C- Changing berths:
(1) Pilotage dues
(2) Tug charges Changing berth on SCA's request is free of charge, except vessels staying more than 30 days and without crew.
(3) Vessels in Port Said Anchorage Area (Northern and Southern Anchorages), the Bitter Lake or Lake Timsah, if changing berth or anchorage without explicit authorization from SCA, shall be charged an additional due of (5 200 U.S. Dollars) and (3 200 U.S. Dollars) for vessels in Suez VLCCs, 4th Generation containerships and 3rd Generation containerships Anchorage.
Art. 102 “Berthing Dues”
