Suez

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 269m, draught 7.90m, beam 46m, 149,686DWT.

Offshore: LOA 243.97m, draught 10.67m, 105,857DWT.

Water density

1030.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.1m springs, 1.2m neaps.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

All N bound vessels should pass E of No 2 Light float (29°48.6'N 032°32.1'E) and all S bound vessels W of the float.

The W entrance to El Mina el Gedida is approached by passing close N of the NW end of the Group C anchorage berths; then through an unmarked entrance channel dredged to 8.1m.

A buoy (29°56'N 032°32'E) (port hand) is moored on the N side of the approach to the unmarked, dredged approach channel.

Port limits

The limits are bounded to the S by a line joining Ras El Adabiya, the S end of Newport Rock Channel and a point midway along Ghubbet Shadd El 'Uyun; to Suez Canal.

Anchorages

All N bound deep draught vessels, in excess of 11.0m draught, including VLCCs, bulk carriers and third generation container ships awaiting a pilot, should anchor in the area SSE of Conry Rock (29°48'N 032°34'E), which is marked to the E by Lightbuoy L, moored 5nm SE of the rock.

Waiting area: All other N bound vessels awaiting a pilot should anchor in the designated anchorages 1 to 29 of the waiting area N of Conry Rock which is shown on the chart and bounded on the N and E by Lightbuoys A, B, C, D, N and M.

Anchorage for Transhipment Operations: Two areas have been designated, A 6.5nm SE and B, 12nm SSE of Conry Rock Light float.

In foul weather vessels may also be authorised to enter Port Suez anchorage area from the waiting area, or to depart Port of Suez anchorage without embarking a pilot.

Anchorages in the Port of Suez: Loaded tankers of less than 18,000t anchor S of Green Island; those of more than 18,000t anchor SW of Green Island. Other vessels anchor N of Green Island except those waiting to join a N bound convoy, which anchor E of the Eastern channel or on the S side of the Western Channel.

Vessels should not anchor S of the anchorage areas 1D to 6D due to the presence of seabed debris.

Anchorage in the N part of Port Suez is well sheltered from all except S winds, which may be frequent in winter, and are usually accompanied by a heavy sea.

Restrictions

Movements take place during daylight only between 1300-1630hrs, passenger vessels are given priority. In addition no movements are permitted while traffic is entering or leaving the canal.

Tugs

There are 22 tugs available from 1,400-3,200hp.

Charts and publications

BA 2133, 2373, 159. Admiralty Pilot NP64, NP283(1).

Communications

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Port Management; call sign Suez 16; VHF 14 and 16

Outside harbour; call sign Suez 11; VHF 11

Inside harbour; Suez 14; VHF 14

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered by cable, fax or telex on the ship's arrival off the port, then in writing when the agent boards. Tendering is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relevant Charter Party.

Documents

Cargo documents (copies of Bills of Lading and Manifest) should be in possession of state agent prior to ship's arrival for the purpose of approaching cargo receivers to enable them to manage the necessary formalities.

Special forms, for completion by the Master, will be delivered to him by the pilot, Immigration and state agent.

Health

Free pratique is granted immediately on the ship's arrival if not coming from an infected area. Pratique cannot be applied for by radio.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed if expired.

Customs and immigration

Customs: On berthing, Customs Officers will attend to check the ship's bonded store according to the list prepared by the Master.

There is no alcohol allowance for ships crews whilst in port, cigarettes only are allowed. Penalties for non compliance are large.

Immigration: The Immigration Officer is the first person to board after the pilot, he checks the Seaman's Books and issues the shore permits for crew members. Nobody is allowed to board the vessel before the Immigration clearance. Crew and/or passengers cannot leave the vessel before the attendance of the immigration Officer.

Flags

Hoisting of the Egyptian flag on arrival is essential. If the flag is not available on arrival the Master may request one, through the agent, upon berthing.

Notices and regulations

Vessels arriving with cargo to be discharged, or for loading cargo, will not be berthed unless receivers or shippers are ready with the necessary documents duly approved by the state agent/customs.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Transport Sector.

Position: Head of Department

Address: 4 Petolomy Street, Alexandria, 21514, Egypt.

Fax: +203 484 2096

Email: [email protected]

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Class NK.

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available by barge.

Bunkering: All grades available by barge.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: General Suez Hospital, 1.5km.

Crew change

Crew change is possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kibrit Airport, 32km.

Nearest railway: Suez Train Station, 8km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, in three shifts.

Where it is

The port of Suez is situated at the southern end of the Suez Canal, approx 170km S of Port Said.

The port

Suez Port, located at the southern entrance of the Suez Canal on the Red Sea, is a key maritime hub facilitating global trade between Europe and Asia. It handles container shipping, bulk cargo, petroleum products and passenger traffic, with dedicated terminals for various goods. As part of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), it plays a vital role in logistics and industrial development. The port is well-connected to major Egyptian cities via road and rail, supporting both domestic and international trade.

Traffic

Approx 6,400,000t of cargo, 400,000 passengers and 102 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Suez?

Compulsory within the specified pilotage zone.

What time zone is Suez in?

Local time at Suez is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 29 Apr 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 28 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Suez?

The deepest berth listed is at Suez New Port Offshore Terminal: 10.67 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Suez?

1030.

Which load line zone is Suez in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Suez?

The UN/LOCODE of Suez is EGSUZ.

What crews who called at Suez say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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