Ismailia: The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced the successful transit of the massive floating dock GREEN DOCK 3, which was towed through the canal as part of the southbound convoy on its journey from Indonesia to Turkey.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the operation was completed safely under the leadership of Chairman Vice Admiral Osama Rabie. The dock successfully passed through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandeb, with the towing operation led by the tug Persistence at the front, accompanied by four additional SCA tugs positioned on both sides and the rear to guide the structure through the waterway.
The floating dock measures 290 meters in length, 57 meters in width, and has a draught of 8 meters. It is considered one of the largest non-self-propelled marine units to transit the canal, with a total tonnage of 42,000 tons. The transit took 24 hours and required special navigation procedures due to the dock's inability to manoeuvre independently. Four SCA tugs were assigned to provide full maritime safety during the crossing.
Rabie emphasized that the success of such specialized transits reflects the Suez Canal's readiness to accommodate all types and sizes of unconventional maritime units. He highlighted the expertise of the canal pilots and tug captains, whose accumulated experience ensures safe and efficient navigation. He added that the safe passage of GREEN DOCK 3 sends a message of reassurance to the global maritime community regarding stability in the region.
Rabie affirmed that the Suez Canal remains the safest and most reliable artery for global trade. He also pointed to the impact of ongoing development projects along the waterway in enhancing navigational safety. The New Suez Canal remains the optimal route for special transit operations due to its straight path and minimal curvature. The Southern Sector Development Project has significantly increased the safety margin by widening the canal by 40 meters in that section.
Rabie further stated that the canal offers economic advantages for vessels making the journey from Indonesia to Turkey by saving 6,000 nautical miles, a 48 percent reduction in distance compared to the Cape of Good Hope route. He added that such a reduction translates into shorter travel time, lower operating costs, and a reduction of approximately 996 tons of CO2 emissions.
He extended his appreciation to all SCA departments involved in the operation, praising the high level of coordination and professionalism that ensured the dock's safe transit. Captain Viktor Kishlian, master of the tug Persistence, expressed his gratitude for the SCA's efforts in ensuring a safe passage. He noted that the journey from Indonesia had been completely safe and emphasized the Suez Canal's role in reducing navigation time and operating costs, making it the optimal choice for east-west transit and a cornerstone of global trade.