Why are some tankers not able to pass through the Suez Canal?

Some tankers are not able to pass through the Suez Canal due to their size. The Suez Canal has a maximum draft of 66 feet, which means that any tanker with a draft greater than 66 feet will not be able to pass through. In addition, the Suez Canal has a maximum beam of 131 feet, which means that any tanker with a beam greater than 131 feet will not be able to pass through. The size restrictions of the Suez Canal are due to the canal's narrow width and shallow depth.

As a result of these size restrictions, some of the largest tankers in the world are not able to pass through the Suez Canal. These tankers, known as VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers), can carry up to 2 million barrels of oil. VLCCs with a draft greater than 66 feet or a beam greater than 131 feet have to sail around the southern tip of Africa in order to reach their destination.

Here are some specific examples of tankers that are not able to pass through the Suez Canal:

The TI Oceania, a VLCC operated by Teekay Tankers, has a draft of 82 feet and a beam of 238 feet.

The Pioneering Spirit, a heavy lift vessel operated by Allseas, has a draft of 148 feet and a beam of 407 feet.

The Blue Marlin, a semi-submersible heavy lift vessel operated by Dockwise Shipping, has a draft of 246 feet and a beam of 302 feet.

These are just a few examples of the many tankers that are too large to pass through the Suez Canal. As ships increasingly become larger, the need for deeper and wider shipping lanes will become more important.