Suez Canal: Navigation is proceeding normally and has not been affected by bad weather conditions

The head of the Suez Canal Authority, Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, announced that navigation through the canal is proceeding normally and in both directions, and has not been affected at all by the bad weather conditions the country is experiencing today (Wednesday), as the Suez Canal witnessed the passage of 39 ships in both directions with a total net tonnage of 1.6 million tons.

Lieutenant General Rabie explained that this regularity confirms the Authority’s ability to manage the waterway with high efficiency even in the most difficult climatic conditions, thanks to its advanced technological systems for monitoring navigation, in addition to distinguished competencies and expertise in various fields of maritime work.

During his real-time monitoring of the regularity of navigation from the main traffic control center, the head of the authority directed that all precautionary measures and procedures be taken to deal with bad weather, with all maritime units affiliated with the authority adhering to the navigational security procedures for the canal, especially during the boarding and disembarking of pilots, as well as the periodic procedures related to maritime work.

Lieutenant General Osama Rabie confirmed that the Crisis and Disaster Management Committee is meeting around the clock to monitor the smooth flow of navigation through the canal and the readiness of marine rescue teams, while also raising the alert level of rescue tugboats for rapid intervention in emergencies. The readiness level of hospitals and medical centers affiliated with the Suez Canal Authority, as well as ambulance and fire services, has also been raised.

He stressed the need for continuous communication and coordination with the operations rooms of the Canal cities (Port Said, Ismailia, and Suez) to provide the necessary support in emergency situations.

In the same context, the head of the authority indicated that the crossing services for citizens between the two banks of the canal will continue to be provided through the ferries, bridges and tunnels belonging to the authority, in accordance with maritime safety instructions and after full coordination with the navigation traffic offices in the three canal cities.

Egypt is experiencing an exceptional weather situation characterized by severe fluctuations and rapid development of weather phenomena, as the country is affected by a deep low-pressure system of polar origins, which has caused a wide wave of rain and active winds across most of the country, amid official warnings of the repercussions of this situation, which reached its peak today (Wednesday) and will continue until the early hours of tomorrow morning (Thursday).