Passage Planning Guide: Suez Canal - (2026-27 Edition)

Passage Planning Guide: Suez Canal (2026-27 Edition) is the most comprehensive operational and navigational guide to the Suez Canal.

A 3m 20s introduction to this new Guide for the Suez Canal is given in the following video issued by the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) in January 2023 where Witherbys owners: Iain Macneil & Kat Heathcote met Senior Staff from the SCA onboard the Cunard Ocean Liner: 'QUEEN MARY 2'. This interview is from: 2:05 - 5:25 available to view here.

The goal for Ship Operators, Masters and the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), is that vessels arrive fully prepared to transit and with no unnecessary delays. This Guide will help operators achieve that goal.

This Guide provides emphasis on:

The documentary submissions required by the Master the operational aspects of a transit of the Suez Canal familiarisation and awareness with the various stages of the transit including the navigational elements and available contingencies.


Shipmasters are aware that a canal transit means a very long day and there are any number of potentials for stress, surprise and unexpected or unannounced occurrences. This Guide is the best available tool to prepare the Master and their officers for a successful transit, by instilling in them the knowledge and confidence necessary for proper preparation and the high level of situational awareness and readiness required for each stage of the transit.