What documents does SeaBird need to initiate a transit?

We require the vessel name, IMO number, vessel type, GT, NT, SCNT certificate, draught, cargo description, transit direction, and ETA Port Said or Port Suez.

Suez Canal Transit Agency

SeaBird Marine — Suez Canal Transit Agency Since 1981

SeaBird Marine is on the spot in the Suez Canal as the reliable intermediary for transit co-ordination, funds transfer and efficient communication. With local offices in Port Said and Suez Port, SeaBird Marine is positioned to ensure a smooth and prompt transit for your vessel.

Our Suez Canal Transit Services

Accurate free Proforma D/A (PDA) on request
Online Suez Canal toll calculator — free access
Complete Suez Canal Guide — Southbound & Northbound Transit Guides
Latest navigation circulars and real-time traffic updates
Advice to Shipmasters for both directions of transit
Online rebate application system
Reference list of latest rebates on Suez Canal tolls
Suez Canal rules of navigation including all circulars and beam/draft calculator
Complete searchable list of vessels transiting the Suez Canal
Service available 24/7, all year around

📄Suez Canal Transit Guide 📄Rules of Navigation 📄Northbound Transit Guide 📄Southbound Transit Guide 🎥Port Said — Suez Canal Video

One-Stop Services Station: General Ship Supply · Life Rafts & Safety Equipment with class certification · All Repair Works · Spare Parts · Underwater Works · Customs Clearance & Delivery on Board · Shipping Agency & Suez Canal Transit Services

Port Said — Northern Gateway

Detail	Information
Position	Lat 31° 15' N; Long 32° 18' E
Port Authority	Port Said Port Authority, Moustafa Kamel and Azmey Street, Port Said Tel: (66) 223892 & 236941 · Fax: (66) 235913
Facilities	Airport · Bunkers · Containers · Dry Dock · General Cargo · Lloyd’s Agent · Petroleum · Ro/Ro · Towage · Dry Bulk

Port Suez — Southern Gateway

Detail	Information
Position	Lat 29° 58' N; Long 32° 33' E
Port Authority	Red Sea Ports Authority, PO Box 1, Port Tawfik, Suez, Egypt Tel: 02 (062) 331123 / 331124 · Fax: 02 (062) 331117
Facilities	Airport · Bunkers · Containers · Dry Dock · General Cargo · Lloyd’s Agent · Petroleum · Ro/Ro · Towage · Dry Bulk

Request Free Transit PDA

Suez Canal Transit Agency — Complete Guide for Shipmasters & Operators

The Suez Canal is one of the world's most strategic waterways, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and enabling vessels to avoid the long route around the Cape of Good Hope. SeaBird Marine Services has been a licensed Suez Canal Transit Agency since 1981, accumulating over 45 years of expertise helping more than 7,500 vessels complete safe and timely transits. Our offices in both Port Said (northern entrance) and Port Suez (southern entrance) ensure seamless coverage for both northbound and southbound transits.

The Suez Canal Transit Process — Step by Step

Pre-Arrival Notification — Vessel owner or operator nominates SeaBird as transit agent. We immediately register the vessel with the Suez Canal Authority (SCA).
Proforma Disbursement Account (PDA) — We prepare an accurate PDA covering all SCA dues, pilot fees, convoy fees, and ancillary charges.
Toll Calculation & Payment — Transit dues are calculated based on the vessel's Suez Canal Net Tonnage (SCNT). SeaBird facilitates payment to the SCA in the required currency.
Pilot Boarding — SCA pilots board at Port Said or Port Suez. We coordinate timing, berth allocation, and communications between ship and pilot station.
Convoy Transit — Vessels transit in convoys (northbound or southbound). We monitor the vessel's progress throughout and update owners in real time.
Disembarkation & Final DA — On completion of transit, we prepare the final Disbursement Account and forward all documentation to the owner.

Suez Canal Toll Rebates

The SCA offers various rebate schemes to incentivise certain vessel types and trades, including rebates for LNG carriers, cruise vessels, ro-ro ships, container vessels and vessels on specific trade routes. SeaBird maintains an up-to-date online rebate application system and provides advice on maximising available discounts for your specific vessel and trade pattern.

New Suez Canal (2015 Expansion)

Following the inauguration of the New Suez Canal in August 2015, which added a parallel channel and expanded the existing waterway, the transit capacity of the canal was significantly increased. The new channel allows two-way traffic in sections, reducing overall transit time. SeaBird's operational team is fully familiar with the new routing, convoy management procedures and berthing regulations that apply under the expanded canal.

Suez Canal Transit Agent Suez Canal Agency Suez Canal Tolls Calculator SCA Dues Rebate Northbound Transit Suez Southbound Transit Suez Canal Transit PDA

FAQs — Suez Canal Transit

How long does a Suez Canal transit take?

A full Suez Canal transit typically takes between 12 and 16 hours depending on convoy direction, vessel speed limitations, traffic conditions and any waiting time at anchorage. With the New Suez Canal channel, the transit itself (once the vessel enters the convoy) averages approximately 11–13 hours. Vessels may occasionally wait at anchorage for 12–24 hours prior to joining a convoy during periods of high traffic.

What documents does SeaBird need to initiate a Suez Canal transit?

We require the vessel name, IMO number, call sign, flag, vessel type, gross tonnage (GT), net tonnage (NT), Suez Canal Net Tonnage (SCNT) certificate, draught fore and aft, cargo description, intended transit direction (northbound or southbound) and ETA Port Said or Port Suez. We can begin preparation with just the basic vessel particulars and ETA even before the full documentation package arrives.

Can SeaBird arrange supply of fuel (bunkers) during the Suez Canal transit?

Yes. Bunkering at Port Said and Port Suez can be arranged before or after the canal transit. In-transit bunkering (while the vessel is in the canal) is not permitted under SCA regulations, so we coordinate bunkering either at Port Said anchorage prior to the northbound convoy, or at Port Suez following a southbound transit. We work with licensed bunkering suppliers and provide competitive stem quantities and pricing on request.