SCA's Head: Suez Canal Operations Resume Smoothly After Brief Disruption

The Suez Canal Authority has confirmed that maritime traffic within the canal is now fully operational, with vessels navigating seamlessly from Port Said in the north to Suez in the south.

Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, Osama Rabie, detailed an incident early this Wednesday. Two vessels faced navigation challenges and technical issues while transiting as part of the morning's northbound convoy.

Elaborating on the situation, Rabie indicated a minor contact occurred between the liquefied natural gas carrier, "BW LESMES", and the following petroleum tanker, "BURRI". This was due to an unforeseen halt of the "BW LESMES" around Kilometer 144 of the canal's navigation path. The stoppage resulted from a steering malfunction, leaving the vessel directionless. At the same time, a strong current nudged the "BURRI" towards the incapacitated "BW LESMES", causing them to come into contact.

Assuring swift response, Rabie said the authority’s tugboats promptly intervened. The "BURRI" was safely moved away, while another set of tugs, led by the "Izzat Adel" with a towing force of 160 tons, worked in unison with "Suez 1" and "Suez 2" to guide the "BW LESMES" out of the main navigational channel.

Initial assessments showed no severe damage or environmental hazards around either vessel. Nevertheless, the crew of "BURRI" did report a sudden steering issue, leading to further assistance from the authority's tugboats. The tugs named "New Egypt" and "Accompanying 3" were dispatched to ensure its safe anchorage until repairs can be undertaken.