Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman Admiral Osama Rabie announced the successful transit of the massive floating dock GREEN DOCK 3 through the Suez Canal, marking another milestone in the authority’s handling of large, non-self-propelled maritime units.
The floating dock, towed by the lead tug Persistence and escorted by four SCA tugs positioned along its sides and stern, completed its northbound passage as part of the southbound convoy after safely entering the Red Sea via the Bab el-Mandeb. The unit is traveling from Indonesia to Turkey.
At 290 meters long, 57 meters wide, and with a draft of 8 meters, GREEN DOCK 3 is classified among the largest towed marine structures operating today, boasting a total displacement of 42,000 tons. Its sheer scale required heightened navigational precautions throughout the passage.
According to the SCA, the crossing took 24 hours due to the dock’s non-propelled nature, necessitating specialized procedures to ensure safe navigation. The transit was secured by four authority-operated tugs providing continuous control and stabilization.
Admiral Rabie emphasized that the successful operation underscores the Suez Canal’s capability to accommodate a broad spectrum of unconventional and oversized maritime units. He added that such achievements reflect the advanced skills of the Canal’s pilots and the extensive expertise of SCA tugboat captains involved in maritime security and guidance.
The operation is viewed as further evidence of the Canal’s readiness to support complex marine logistics, reinforcing its role as a strategic artery for global shipping.
Follow the latest news on Google News
