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Suez Canal Transit Requirements & Documentation (2026)

Transiting the Suez Canal means working within the Suez Canal Authority's (SCA) notice periods, tonnage rules, and convoy schedule. The SCA requires vessels to be handled by a licensed Suez Canal agent, who manages notifications, the tonnage certificate, dues, and convoy assignment on your behalf.

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Advance notice

The SCA requires five days' notice of the vessel's ETA. That notification typically includes the vessel's name, nationality, call sign, any previous names, Suez Canal GRT and NRT, date of last transit, DWT, and draft. Getting this in early and accurately is what secures your place in the convoy.

Suez Canal Net Tonnage (SCNT)

Transit dues are calculated primarily on Suez Canal Net Tonnage (SCNT) — a Canal-specific tonnage measure, distinct from your International Tonnage Certificate figures. The SCNT certificate can be obtained from any recognized classification society and is fundamental to the transit: it drives the toll calculation. Your agent will confirm the certificate is valid and on file before transit.

The convoy system

The Suez Canal operates on a convoy system rather than continuous free-flow transit:

• A Northbound convoy and a Southbound convoy run on a daily schedule.
• Vessels are assigned to convoys based on factors such as draft, tonnage, cargo type, and equipment.
• Arrival-time limits determine which convoy a vessel is entitled to join.

Because convoy assignment affects your waiting time and transit timing, accurate, early submission of vessel data is critical — another area where an experienced local agent earns their fee.

Transit dues and surcharges

The SCA bases transit fees on SCNT, along with vessel type, cargo, and direction of transit. Additional surcharges may apply — for example fuel, pilotage, or war-risk-related charges. The SCA publishes vessel-type circulars (tankers, container ships, vehicle carriers, chemical and liquid bulk carriers, and others) that are renewed periodically, so confirm current rates with your agent rather than older figures.

Required documentation (typical)

Handled through your agent, a Suez transit generally involves:

• SCNT (Suez Canal Net Tonnage) certificate
• International Tonnage Certificate and vessel particulars
• Class and statutory certificates (safety, ISM, ISPS)
• Crew and cargo documentation
• Dangerous-cargo declarations where applicable

Why a licensed agent is essential

All vessels transit through a licensed Suez Canal agent, who handles SCA notifications, verifies the SCNT certificate, calculates and settles dues, arranges pilotage and mooring, and manages the vessel's convoy slot. For a waterway where timing is governed by a fixed convoy schedule, local representation is not optional — it's how the transit gets done.

Find a licensed Suez Canal transit agent on CanalAgent.com. Browse Suez Canal agents →

Sources

• Suez Canal Authority — official portal and Tolls Table (suezcanal.gov.eg)
• Suez Canal Authority — vessel-type transit circulars (2026 renewals)
• SCA convoy and Suez Canal Net Tonnage (SCNT) guidance

Information and referral only — not legal or operational advice. Requirements and dues change; verify all figures with the Suez Canal Authority (suezcanal.gov.eg) or a licensed transit agent before acting.