Suez Canal successfully tows damaged oil tanker SOUNION

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has successfully towed the oil tanker SOUNION through the waterway following an extensive salvage operation, Osama Rabie, chairman of the Authority, announced on Monday.

The Greek-flagged vessel, attacked in the Red Sea last August, was unable to sail independently due to severe damage to its bridge, engine room, and navigation systems.

The SOUNION, measuring 274 metres in length and 50 metres in width, was carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil at the time of the attack. The extensive fire left the tanker immobilised, raising concerns over potential oil spills or explosions.

Before its transit through the canal, the SCA oversaw a complex unloading operation at the Suez anchorage area. The salvage companies AMBERY and MEGA TUGS, working under the SCA’s supervision, carefully transferred the cargo to another tanker while adhering to strict environmental and safety protocols.

To prevent pollution, the SCA’s Central Pollution Control Committee closely monitored the unloading, and the pollution control vessel Kashet 2 was deployed as a precautionary measure.

SOUNION was then towed through the canal as part of the southbound convoy, with the operation led by the SCA’s largest tugboat, Baraka, supported by three other authority-owned tugboats. The process, which took approximately 24 hours, required 13 pilots and was conducted in multiple stages, including stops at the Great Bitter Lake and the Ballah area for pilot exchanges.

Rabie emphasised the Suez Canal’s readiness to handle complex maritime incidents through advanced technical capabilities and well-trained personnel. He highlighted the role of simulation exercises at the SCA’s Maritime Training and Simulation Academy in preparing for such operations.

The successful operation underscores the canal’s strategic importance and ability to manage emergency situations while ensuring safe navigation.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
Subediting: M. S. Salama