Suez Canal

How old is the canal ?

The canal has been opened for navigation for the first time in Nov. 1869.


What is the depth of the canal ?

Maximum water depth is 24 m.


What is the length of the Canal ?

The length of the canal is 193.30 Km.


What is the width of the canal ?

The width of the water surface is 313 m. The width of the navigational channel is between 200m and 210 m.


Who owns the canal ?

The canal is owned completely by the Egyptian government. No shares are available in the stock market.


How long does it take to a vessel to transit the canal ?

It takes 12 to 16 hours.


How many days per year the canal is available for navigation ?

The canal is available for navigation all over the year.


How many times the canal was closed for navigation ?

It was closed for 6 times. The shortest period was 3 days.The longest period was 8 years (following the 1967 war).


Shall a pilot be on board of each vessel to transit the canal ?

Yes, the pilot on board of each vessel is compulsory (except for small fleets).



Suez Canal Authority

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