The transit of the towed floating dock through the canal took 24 hours and required special navigational measures.

Admiral Osama Rabie Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority SCA, announced the successful transit of the "GREEN DOCK 3" floating dock, towed by the tugboat persistence at the front and guided by four Authority tugboats from the sides and stern, during its journey through the canal as part of the southbound convoy, after its safe passage through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Its journey originated in Indonesia and was bound for Turkey.

The floating dock is 290 meters long, 57 meters wide, and has a draft of 8 meters. It is considered a large towed marine unit with a total tonnage of 42,000 tons.

The transit of the GREEN DOCK 3 floating dock towed through the canal took 24 hours. Its passage required special navigational measures due to its non-self-propelled nature. Navigational support was provided by four tugboats belonging to the Suez Canal Authority

Suez Canal's readiness 

Rabie emphasized that the success of these specialized transit operations reflects the Suez Canal's readiness to accommodate various types and sizes of non-traditional marine units. It also demonstrates the efficiency of the canal's pilots and the accumulated expertise of the Authority's tugboat captains in navigational support.

The Chairman of SCA indicated that the successful transit of the floating dock sends a reassuring message to the maritime community regarding the stability of navigation in the region, especially after the safe passage of the floating dock through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to the Suez Canal. He emphasized that the Suez Canal will remain the safest and most efficient artery for global trade

Strengthen navigational safety for specialized transit operations

Admiral Rabie Highlight that the ongoing development projects in the waterway have contributed to  strengthen navigational safety for specialized transit operations. He pointed out that the New Suez Canal remains the optimal navigational option for accommodating these specialized transits due to its straight course and minimal curves. He added that the Southern Sector Development Project has achieved a significant leap forward in enhancing navigational safety by widening the canal by 40 meters, thereby increasing its capacity to accommodate specialized vessels that were previously unable to transit.

A 48% reduction

The Chairman of SCA added that the distance saved by the Suez Canal route between Indonesia and Turkey amounts to 6,000 nautical miles, representing a 48% reduction compared to the route around the Cape of Good Hope. This translates to a shorter journey time, resulting in savings in operational costs and fuel consumption, and consequently, a reduction of approximately 996 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Rabie extended his greetings, appreciation, and gratitude to everyone involved in the safe transit of the floating dock through the Canal, from the various departments and sectors of the Authority's Movement Management Department. He emphasized that coordination and integrated work constitute a professional system capable of efficiently and effectively managing diverse navigational situations.

Suez Canal has successfully achieved the equation of success

On the other hand Captain Viktor Kishlian, captain of the tugboat Persistence, which towed the floating dock during its voyage, expressed his appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Suez Canal Authority to ensure safe passage.

When asked about his journey, he indicated that his voyage, from its starting point in Indonesia through the Indian Ocean, then the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, was completely safe. He emphasized that the Suez Canal has successfully achieved the equation of success by shortening travel time and reducing operational costs compared to alternative routes, making it the ideal choice for transit from East to West and a key pillar of the global economy and international trade.

George Safwat, Official Spokesperson for the Suez Canal Authority stated 

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"GREEN DOCK 3" SCA ,Captain Viktor Kishlian, ,Cape of Good Hope , Bab el-Mandeb Strait Red Sea , Admiral Osama Rabie , Indonesia  , Turkey