Chairman of the SCA Vice Admiral Osama Rabie said the operation was completed safely after the dock passed through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandeb.
The towing operation was led by the tug Persistence at the front, with four additional SCA tugs positioned on both sides and the rear to guide the structure through the waterway.
The floating dock measures 290 metres in length, 57 metres in width, and has a draught of 8 metres. With a total tonnage of 42,000 tons, it is considered one of the largest non-self-propelled marine units to transit the canal.
According to the SCA, the transit took 24 hours and required special navigation procedures because the dock cannot manoeuvre independently. Four SCA tugs were assigned to provide full maritime safety during the crossing.
Rabie stressed 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, particularly after the dock’s safe journey through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandeb.
“The Suez Canal remains the safest and most reliable artery for global trade,” Rabie affirmed.
The SCA Chairman also pointed to the impact of ongoing development projects along the waterway in enhancing navigational safety.
He noted that the New Suez Canal remains the optimal route for special transit operations due to its straight path and minimal curvature. He also highlighted that the Southern Sector Development Project has significantly increased the safety margin by widening the canal by 40 metres 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 also 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.
For his part, Captain Viktor Kishlian, master of the tug Persistence, expressed his gratitude for the SCA’s efforts in ensuring a safe passage.
He said the journey from Indonesia through the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Bab Al-Mandeb had been completely safe. He also emphasized that the Suez Canal succeeded in reducing navigation time and operating costs compared to alternative routes—making it the optimal choice for east–west transit and a cornerstone of global trade.
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