Circular No. 1/1998

In line with the Suez Canal Authority policy to up-grade the waterway in service of world Navigation, and on the occasion of the completion of the present stage of development, the following has been decided:

1. Item © of Article 52 and item (1) of Article 53 of the Suez Canal Rules of Navigation (Feb. 1995) shall be waived.
   
2. Vessels with a beam of 163 feet and 9 inches can transit the Canal with draught of 58 feet.
   
3. Vessels with a beam exceeding 163 feet and 9 inches can transit the Canal with draught of not more than 32 feet forward and 36 feet aft.
   
4. Ballast Vessels with a beam of up to 245 feet can transit the Canal with a draught of not more than 32 feet forward and 36 feet aft.
   
5. Ballast vessels with a beam exceeding 245 feet need prior approval of the Suez Canal Authority.

However, ballast vessels with a beam exceeding 210 feet can only transit in favourable weather conditions and wind speed not more than 10 knots.

This Circular takes effect as of June 1, 1998.

We remain at your disposal for any further information or assistance you may require.

Best regards.

Table II : For Loaded vessels transiting southbound & northbound