Background

On 9 June, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) published a series of circulars, announcing a 12% increase to existing surcharges on transit dues for all vessels transiting the Suez Canal, excluding passenger ships, which will take effect from 15 July 2026.

The 12% increase to existing surcharges, which are imposed on top of transit dues, amounts to total transit surcharge fees for each vessel type as follows:

· Crude oil and product tankers: Laden: 37% / Ballast: 27%

· Chemical Tankers and Other Liquid Bulk Tankers (laden/ballast): 32%

· RORO vessels (laden/ballast): 26%

· LPG carriers (laden/ballast): 32%

· LNG carriers (laden/ballast): 19%

· Dry bulk (laden/ballast): 22%

· Containerships (laden/ballast): 12%

· General Cargo Vessels, Multi-Purpose Vessels, Heavy Lift Vessels (laden/ballast): 26%

· Vehicle Carriers (laden/ballast): Northbound: 26% / Southbound: 12%

· Special Floating Units (laden/ballast): 26%

· Other Vessels (laden/ballast): 26%

The SCA circulars do not include details about the rationale or methodology behind the surcharges increase.

ICS actions

The Secretariat is currently seeking clarification from the SCA about the rationale and methodology behind the surcharges increase, including clarity on the lack of prior consultation with the shipping industry, and a minimum of six months’ advance notice, as discussed during the recent ICS delegation visit to Egypt in April and renewal of the ICS-SCA Memorandum of Understanding.

The Secretariat is also in the process of drafting a formal letter to the SCA, in coordination with other international associations, requesting a delay in implementation of the increase in surcharges.

Members will be informed of any further information on this development.