Suez canal: The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced the transit of the semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel HUA RUI LONG, recognized as one of the largest of its kind globally, as part of the southbound convoy through the New Suez Canal waterway. SCA Chairman Osama Rabie stated that the vessel successfully crossed the canal after passing through the Bab El-Mandeb Strait on its journey from Singapore to Denmark.According to State Information Service Egypt, the HUA RUI LONG, built in 2022 and operated by China's Guangzhou Salvage Bureau, measures 252 meters in length, 77.7 meters in width, with a draft of 10.5 meters and a gross tonnage of 115,254 tonnes. It was carrying the vessel NORTHERN ENDEAVOUR on board during the transit. The SCA noted that this transit was a 'special operation' due to the vessel's width, which surpasses the canal's maximum permitted beam of 75 meters, necessitating exceptional navigational measures. Four SCA tugboats facilitated the transit.Rabie detailed that six senior canal pilots were assigned to guide the vessel, with assistance from tugboats and real-time monitoring from the main traffic control office and pilot stations along the canal. This successful handling of special transits highlights the canal's readiness to accommodate various types and sizes of vessels, demonstrating the expertise of Suez Canal pilots and tugboat captains in ensuring navigational safety.Rabie emphasized recent infrastructure upgrades, which have enhanced navigational safety and increased the canal's capacity, maintaining its position as the fastest, shortest, and safest route for special and large-scale transits. The canal has accommodated 27 vessels of the same category in 2025, along with four similar vessels since the beginning of this year.According to Rabie, the New Suez Canal's straighter course and reduced curvature have strengthened its ability to accommodate special transits. The southern sector development project has notably increased navigational safety by 28 percent, expanding the canal's width by 40 meters eastward, allowing it to receive vessels that could not transit previously.Rabie stressed the benefits of choosing the Suez Canal route, which saves time and costs while reducing harmful carbon emissions, making it the optimal choice for large vessels and special operations. For this voyage, the canal provided savings estimated at 3,432 nautical miles compared to alternative routes.The HUA RUI LONG previously transited the canal empty during its maiden voyage through the waterway in October 2022, according to SCA spokesperson George Safwat.