Suez Canal Successfully Guides One Of The Largest Floating Docks Through Its Waters

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has announced the successful transit of GREEN DOCK 3, one of the largest non-self-propelled floating docks ever to pass through the canal. Led by SCA’s skilled pilots and tug crews, the 24-hour operation showcased the canal’s enhanced navigational capabilities and its continued role as the safest route for global maritime trade.

A Complex and Carefully Coordinated Transit Operation

SCA Chairman Vice Admiral Osama Rabie confirmed that the floating dock’s passage was completed safely after travelling through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandeb.

The tow was led by the tug Persistence, supported by four additional SCA tugs positioned at the sides and rear to control the dock’s movement. Measuring 290 metres long, 57 metres wide, and with a draught of 8 metres, the 42,000-ton structure required special navigation procedures due to its inability to manoeuvre independently.

According to the SCA, the transit took 24 hours, with tugboats ensuring full maritime safety throughout. Rabie highlighted that successfully handling such large and unconventional units demonstrates the canal’s readiness, modern capabilities and the accumulated expertise of its pilots and tug captains.

Development Projects Strengthening the Canal’s Global Advantage

Vice Admiral Rabie emphasised that recent development projects have significantly improved navigational safety. The New Suez Canal is now the most efficient route for specialised transits thanks to its straight alignment and reduced curvature. Meanwhile, the Southern Sector Development Project, which widened the canal by 40 metres, provides a greater safety margin for large structures.

Rabie also pointed out the economic benefits of choosing the Suez Canal. Vessels travelling from Indonesia to Turkey save 6,000 nautical miles, cutting distance by 48% compared to the Cape of Good Hope route. This results in shorter voyages, reduced operating costs, and an estimated 996 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided.

Captain Viktor Kishlian of the tug Persistence praised the SCA for its professionalism, noting that the entire journey from the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea was safe and efficient.

The safe passage of GREEN DOCK 3 reinforces the Suez Canal’s position as the world’s most reliable maritime corridor. With ongoing enhancements, skilled pilots, and proven capability to handle specialised and oversized units, the canal continues to boost global trade efficiency while offering economic and environmental advantages.