Passage Planning Guide: Suez Canal - (2026-27 Edition)

'Passage Planning Guide: Suez Canal (2026–27 Edition)' is the most comprehensive operational and navigational guide to transiting the Suez Canal.

An introduction to this new Guide was issued by the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) in the following video from 2023, available to view here. In this interview the owners of Witherbys,
Iain Macneil and Kat Heathcote, met senior staff from the SCA onboard the Cunard Ocean Liner: ‘Queen Mary 2 ’ (2:05–5:25 minute).

The goal for ship operators, Masters and the SCA is that vessels arrive fully prepared to transit and with no unnecessary delays. This Guide will help operators achieve that goal.

This Guide provides emphasis on:

• The documentary submissions required by the Master
• the operational aspects of a transit of the Suez Canal
• familiarisation and awareness with the various stages of the transit, including the navigational elements and available contingencies.

Shipmasters are aware that a canal transit may take longer than expected and there is a potential for stress, surprise and unexpected/unannounced occurrences. This Guide is the best available tool to prepare the Master and their officers for a successful transit, by instilling in them the knowledge and confidence necessary for proper preparation and the high level of situational awareness and readiness required for each stage of the transit.

Section 1 – Guidance Notes on the Suez Canal

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Suez Canal – Physical Details and Development

1.3 Vessels First Time Transit of the Suez Canal

1.4 Master's Responsibilities in Suez Canal

1.5 Procedure for Arriving Ships (Agents, Notification and Papers)

1.6 Chief Mate's Guidance – Operational Preparations

1.7 Chief Officer Preparation Checklist for Suez Canal

1.8 Fines and Additional Dues

1.9 Suez Canal Authority

1.10 Pilotage in the Suez Canal

1.11 Southbound Convoy (From Port Said)

1.12 Northbound Convoy (From Suez)

1.13 Reporting Requirements/Systems in the Region

1.14 Speed and Shiphandling in the Suez Canal

1.15 Guidance for OOW/Bridge Team in the Suez Canal

1.16 Suez Canal Mooring Boats

1.17 Suez Canal Searchlight/Projector and Other lights

1.18 Use of Escort Tugs

1.19 Mooring

1.20 Local Traffic/Small Vessels in the Canal

1.21 Direction of Buoyage

1.22 Canal Distance Markers

1.23 Currents, Tidal Streams, Tides and Weather

1.24 MARPOL

1.25 Security in the Canal

1.26 Signals, Lights and Markers in the Suez Canal

1.27 Action in Emergencies

Section 2 - Southbound Transit of Suez Canal

Section 3 - Northbound Transit of Suez Canal

Section 4 - Suez Declarations Required for Ships Transiting the Suez Canal

Appendices

Witherbys

Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.

Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.