Egyptian Suez Canal Authority announces successful transit of floating dock ‘GREEN DOCK 3’

CAIRO – 7 December 2025: Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), announced the successful transit of the floating dock “GREEN DOCK 3”, towed by the tugboat Persistence at the front and guided by four Authority tugboats from the sides and stern. 

The vessel passed safely through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait en route from Indonesia to Turkey, joining the southbound convoy through the Suez Canal, he added.

The floating dock measures 290 meters in length, 57 meters in width, with a draft of 8 meters, and a total tonnage of 42,000 tons. Due to its non-self-propelled nature, the 24-hour transit required specialized navigational measures, supported by the Authority’s tugboats.

Admiral Rabie emphasized that the successful transit reflects the Canal’s readiness to accommodate various types of non-traditional maritime units. He highlighted the efficiency of the canal’s pilots and the expertise of the tugboat captains in ensuring maritime safety.

He added that the transit sends a reassuring message to the maritime community regarding the stability of navigational conditions in the region. “The Suez Canal will remain the safest and most efficient artery for global trade,” he affirmed.

Rabie also noted that ongoing development projects have enhanced navigational safety for specialized vessels. He highlighted the New Suez Canal’s straight course and minimal bends as ideal for such operations, while the Southern Sector Development Project widened the canal by 40 meters, increasing its capacity to accommodate vessels that previously could not transit.

The Chairman further pointed out that the Suez Canal shortens the journey between Indonesia and Turkey by approximately 6,000 nautical miles—a 48% reduction compared to the route around the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in lower travel time, reduced operational costs, fuel savings, and a decrease of around 996 tons in CO₂ emissions.

Admiral Rabie expressed gratitude to all departments and teams involved in the safe transit, emphasizing that coordination and integrated work represent a professional system capable of efficiently managing diverse maritime operations.

Captain Viktor Kishlian, captain of the tugboat Persistence, praised the Suez Canal Authority for ensuring safe passage. Reflecting on the journey from Indonesia through the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, he confirmed that the transit was completely safe. He added that the Suez Canal offers the optimal route for East-to-West maritime traffic, shortening transit times and reducing operational costs, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of the global economy and international trade.