The Suez Canal is located in Egypt, on the western side of the Sinai Peninsula, spanning the Isthmus of Suez. It serves as the border between Asia and Africa and a main passage for people traveling between Asia, Africa, and Europe. It also provides the shortest route from Europe to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific region. By connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, it links the Atlantic Ocean (via the Mediterranean and Suez Canal) to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is an international shipping waterway of significant economic and strategic importance. Today, we have compiled the practical experiences of several captains, hoping this guide for southbound passages through the Suez Canal will be helpful.

苏伊士运河（Suez Canal）位于埃及境内，西奈半岛西侧，横跨苏伊士地峡，是亚洲与非洲的交界线和亚洲与非洲、欧洲人民来往的主要通道，提供从欧洲至印度洋和西太平洋附近土地的最近的航线。它沟通了红海与地中海，使大西洋经地中海和苏伊士运河与印度洋和太平洋连接起来，是一条具有重要经济意义和战略意义的国际航运水道。今天我们整理了多位船长的实操经验，希望这一份过苏伊士运河南下实操指南能为各位提供帮助。

Booking Notice

Booking Notice

 

ETA Appointment Registration

ETA预约登记

 

The captain needs to submit a booking registration to the canal authorities four days in advance based on the ETA of the vessel’s arrival in Suez. The ETA must be submitted to the canal authorities four days in advance for vessels arriving north of 29°42.8'N, bounded by 32°23.1'E and 32°42'E. A “significant change” in ETA (such as an excessive delay) may result in a fine of $1000-$3000. Don't wait until the deadline to make changes, and you are advised to negotiate adjustments with the agent in advance.

船长需要根据船舶到达SUEZ的ETA提前四天向运河当局递交预约登记，须按船舶到达 32°23.1'E、32°42'E 为界，29°42.8'N 以北区域的 ETA提前4天递交给运河当局。ETA 出现“重大改变”（比如延后超出过长），可能会造成1000-3000美元的罚款，别等快到了才临时改，提前跟代理沟通调整更稳妥。

 

Registration Information

登记信息

 

The registration information must include the vessel’s name, flag state, vessel type, draft (clearly stating loaded/ballast condition), length overall (LOA), beam, gross tonnage, net tonnage, etc.

登记信息需要包括船名、船籍国、船舶类型、吃水（重载/压载状态要写清）、船长、船宽、总吨、净吨等。

 

Arrival Time and Booking Modifications

抵达时间与预约修改

 

According to current regulations of the canal authorities, if a vessel arrives on time, it has priority for inclusion in the canal convoy. Any changes to information must be submitted to the SCA office “at least 12 hours before the booking date”. Otherwise, ordinary vessels will suffer a fine of $1000, and ULCCs, VLCCs, and LNG carriers will suffer a fine of $3000.

按照运河当局当前的规定，船舶如果按时抵达，有参加运河编队的优先权。要改信息必须在"预约日期前至少12小时"通知 SCA 办公室，否则普通船将会面临1000美元的罚款，ULCC、VLCC、LNG船将会面临3000美元的罚款。

 

48-Hour Information Submission

48小时信息递交

 

Information submission is not just a “formality”. It must be provided to the agent 48 hours before vessel’s arrival at the canal:

信息递交不是"走流程"，船舶抵达运河前需要提前48小时向代理提供：

 

1. Actual draft upon arrival/crossing the canal (state cargo type clearly for loaded condition, state ballast tank condition clearly for ballast condition).

1.到达/穿越运河时的实际吃水（重载标清货种，压载标清压载水舱状态）；

 

2. Name of the last port of call (precise to port code, avoid vague terms like "XX" port).

2.上一港名称（精确到港口代码，避免"XX"港这种模糊表述）；

 

3. Name of the next port of call (to facilitate SCA's coordination of subsequent convoys).

3.下一港名称（方便SCA衔接后续编队）；

 

4.Time of the last canal transit (for SCA to verify the vessel's historical compliance record).

4.上一次穿越运河的时间（SCA核对船舶历史合规记录）；

 

5. Full name and detailed address of the shipowner and ship management company (avoid abbreviations that might lead to failed contact).

5.船东、船舶管理公司的全名+详细地址（避免缩写导致联系不上）；

 

6.Confirmation that the vessel carries the original valid Certificate of Registry.

6.确认船舶是否携带有效船舶登记证书原件；

 

7.Submit a copy of the vessel's International Tonnage Certificate (must be clear ; rescans are needed for blurry copies).

7.提交船舶国际吨位证书复印件（需清晰，模糊的要重扫）；

 

8.All communication methods of the vessel (phone, fax, email, ensuring receipt of documents from SCA and the agent).

8.船舶所有通讯方式（电话、传真、邮箱，确保能收 SCA和代理的文件）；

 

9.Vessel condition (loaded/ballast).

9.船舶状态（满载/压载）：

 

10.Loaded: Need to provide cargo nature and quantity.

10.满载：需要提供货物属性和货物数量。

 

11.In ballast: Need to clarify whether the vessel is gas free and the type of the last cargo carried.

11.空载：需要阐明船舶是否gas free以及上一票货物的类型。

 

12.Confirm that main engine, steering gear, windlass, and other equipment are "in good working order" (SCA may conduct spot checks; do not conceal faults, repair them in advance).

12.确认主机、舵机、锚机等设备"处于良好工作状态"（SCA 可能抽查，坏了别隐瞒，提前修）

 

13.Confirm that the gangway/pilot ladder complies with SOLAS 74/78 requirements (critical for pilot embarkation safety; non-compliance may lead to fines and mandatory rectification).

13.确认舷梯/引水梯符合SOLAS 74/78要求（引航员登船安全关键，不符合会面临罚款，还得整改）。

 

Mooring Boat / Vessel Lifting Capacity

带缆船/船舶起重能力

 

Hard Requirement for Lifting Capacity

起重能力硬标

 

The vessel’s own lifting equipment (such as shipboard cranes) must be able to steadily lift a 4-ton mooring boat (including crew on board). If the vessel has no means to hoist a mooring boat, and its “open” lifeboat (with motor) is not suitable as an alternative method for mooring in the canal, the vessel will not be allowed to transit unless accompanied by a compulsory tug. The cost, approximately $34,000, will be borne by the shipowner.

船舶自带的起重设备（如船用起重机），必须能稳定吊起 4吨重的带缆船（含船上船员），如果船舶没有起吊带缆船的方法，且船舶的“开放式”救生艇（带电机）不适合作为在运河中系泊的替代方法，则不允许船舶通过运河，除非配有强制拖船，费用约34000美元，费用将由船东支付。

 

Mooring Boat Accommodation Requirements

带缆船容纳要求

 

Throughout the transit, the vessel must be able to accommodate 2 four-ton mooring boats at all times. Placement requirements are explicit:

整个穿越过程中，船舶必须随时能容纳 2 艘 4 吨带缆船，放置要求明确：

 

One placed on deck: Maximum dimensions (including cradle) must not exceed 7m (L) x 2.5m (W) x 1.4m (H). If the size is too large, adjust deck cargo stowage in advance.

1艘放甲板：最大尺寸（含托架）不能超 7m×2.5m×1.4m，超了放不下，得提前调整甲板货物位置；

 

One hung on the ship side: Use a marine crane to lift it. The sling length must be 4 meters (a too short sling may hit the hull, while too long is unsafe due to swinging).

1艘挂船侧：用船用起重机吊，吊索长度必须是 4 米（太短可能碰船身，太长晃荡不安全）；

 

Special circumstance: If If deck space is insufficient, a “stable platform” must be constructed before port arrival, and the agent must be notified in advance.

特殊情况：若甲板放不下，必须在到港前搭建“稳固平台”，且提前通知代理。

 

Chart Requirements

海图要求

 

A nautical chart is essential: Suez Canal Chart No. 1 + No. 2 (paper editions). If no usable paper charts are available on board, SCA will impose a fine.

过运河必带海图：苏伊士运河1号+2号（印刷版）。若船上没有可用的印刷版海图，SCA将会收取罚款。

 

Purchase a chart: Contact ship suppliers or third-party platforms to help to purchase in advance. Do not wait until approaching the canal.

海图购买：可联系船舶供应商或第三方平台帮助提前采购，别等快到运河了才买，避免耽误时间。

 

Special Regulations

特殊规章

 

Vessel draft exceeding 47 feet (approximately 14.3 meters): Tugboat escort must be arranged during the transit.

船舶吃水超47英尺（约14.3米）：穿越期间必须安排拖轮护送，没拖轮不让走；

 

Situation in compulsory tugs : When SCA determines it is “necessary to ensure safety of vessel or canal”, compulsory tugs will be required (e.g., poor vessel condition, low visibility in the channel).

强制拖轮情形：SCA判断确定“需保障船舶/运河安全”，就会要求强制拖轮（比如船况差、航道能见度低）；

 

Fuel oil tonnage calculation: If the vessel carries fuel oil with a “depth exceeding 6 inches (approximately 15.2 cm)” in the bottom spaces, the cubic capacity of this part of fuel oil must be included in the vessel’s tonnage calculation.

燃油吨位计算：若船舶底部空间携带“超6英寸（约15.2厘米）高的燃油”，这部分燃油的立方容量要计入船舶吨位；

 

Vessels transiting for the first time: SCA may require sea trials to verify if the vessel has ability to navigate safely (e.g., testing main engine maneuvering, braking capability). Rectification will be required if it fail to pass trials.

首次穿越船舶：SCA可能要求做海上试验来验证船舶能否安全航行（比如测试主机转向、刹车能力），试验不过要整改；

 

Weapons and ammunition declaration: If carried weapons and ammunition are not declared as cargo, they must be reported to the agent 72 hours before port arrival, then the agent handles customs clearance with the relevant authorities..

武器弹药申报：若携带的武器弹药不视为货物被申报，必须在到港前72小时报给代理，由代理向有关当局办清关。

 

Visitors/Personnel On Board

来访人员

 

During the transit, many people may board, which can easily lead to issues like “unauthorized boarding” or “customs conflicts”. Pay attention to the following:

过运河时上船人员多，容易出“冒名登船”或“习俗冲突”的问题，需要注意以下几点：

 

Preventing Unauthorized Boarding

防未经授权登船

 

While awaiting convoy formation at anchor, there are often unauthorized small boats claiming to be official and trying to board the boat. The deck watch personnel must first communicate with the navigator, then the navigator should contact the agent to confirm whether the person is authorized. Until confirmed, boarding is firmly rejected. Avoid being scammed or disrupted by unrelated persons during formalities.

锚地等待编队时，常有“没SCA授权的小船”打官方旗号想登船，甲板值班人员要先跟驾驶员沟通，驾驶员联系代理确认是否为授权人员，没确认前，坚决不让登船，避免被骗或被无关人员干扰手续办理。

 

Multiple Personnel Boarding

多人登船

 

When multiple people are boarding, confirm the number and identities of boarders in advance with the agent (e.g., surveyors, pilots, customs officials) and arrange dedicated personnel to guide them (e.g., boatswain responsible for escorting). Avoid personnel confusion delaying formalities.

多人登船时提前跟代理确认登船人数和身份（比如检验师、引航员、海关人员）并安排专人引导（比如水手长负责带位），避免人员混乱耽误手续。

 

Respecting Religion and Customs

尊重宗教与习俗

 

Respect the religious habits of boarding personnel. Try to accommodate some aspects of their daily life as appropriate, reduce communication barriers, and facilitate faster processing of formalities.

需要尊重登船人员的宗教习惯，尽量安排一些其日常生活，减少沟通障碍，让手续办得更快。

 

Pre-Transit Reminder

过河前提醒

 

These rules may seem tedious, but each one is valuable experience summarized and compiled by numerous captains. What seem like minor details are actually key points for a smooth transit. Calculating the ETA accurately four days in advance, submitting the 48-hour information without omission, and testing the mooring boat lifting equipment beforehand can help avoid most pitfalls.

这些规则看着繁琐，但每一条都是多位船长整理总结的宝贵经验，看似一些小事，其实都是过河的细节。提前4天算准ETA、48小时信息不遗漏、带缆船起重设备提前测，就能避开大部分的坑。

 

To address various challenges during Suez Canal transits, E-PORTS provides comprehensive professional support and transit services for vessels passing through the Suez Canal. For more information about Suez transit solutions or other services, please contact us via:

针对过苏伊士运河中的各项挑战，E-PORTS为过苏伊士运河的船舶提供全方位专业支持与过河服务。若需要了解更多关于苏伊士过河方案或其它服务，可通过以下方式联系：

WhatsApp/Wechat: 13816101982

Email：contact@e-ports.com