Suez Canal Introduces New Regulations for Mooring Services

Mooring services in the Suez Canal are about to change. Effective May 1st, 2024, mooring will be primarily shore-based, with mooring boats strategically positioned along the canal.

This change will not be applied to all boats. Roughly 30% of vessels transiting the canal will be required to have onboard mooring services, including vessels with significant windage area, gross tonnage, or draft. Other criteria for ships that require onboard mooring services are specified by the Suez Canal Authority. Vessels that are unable to accommodate on-board mooring services will be charged USD 5,000.

Furthermore, exceptions for shore-based mooring services will be applied to crafts such as US and other warships, towed units, excavators, rigs, integrated units, and other specialized vessels.

All boats, whether they partake in shore-based or onboard mooring, will be charged a fixed total fee of USD 3,500 for mooring at the canal. The Suez Canal is one of Egypt’s main sources of foreign currency, and sees 12% of the world’s trade passing through its waters. Recently, due to conflict, the canal has seen a 40-50% drop in revenues over the recent months.