SUEZ CANAL DEVELOPMENTS
On 16 October, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) published 2 circulars (see CAN(23)15), attached , detailing planned increases to transit dues for vessels transiting the Suez Canal. The planned increases are between 5% and 15%, depending on the segment of shipping. The SCA advises that these increases will be effective from January 2024.
The SCA further notes in a new circular (attached at Annex B) that rebates between 20% and 45%, depending on the ports, for transit dues will be granted for dry bulk vessels operating between Egyptian ports on the Red Sea and ports in South-West Africa. The 20% rebate will be applicable only for vessels calling at ports in Ghana, Togo, Benin, andNigeria, and the 45% rebate will only be applicable to vessels calling at the ports in Cameroon.
In response to the SCA increasing the transit dues, the Secretariat has sent a letter to the SCA requesting that a minimum notice period of 6 months be implemented for any changes in tolls for canal transit and that such a notice period would ensure that shipping companies are able to more fully prepare for the additional cost, in close dialogue with their customers. It further requests clarification on the methodology used for the transit dues increase.
Members are encouraged to express any further comments they may have on the matter to Meme Lamlum, Policy Officer at (meme.lamlum@ics-shipping.org)
CAN(23)15 -Annex A – SCA Circular (7-2023)
CAN(23)15 -Annex B – SCA Circular (8-2023)