Suez Canal Transit Time: Average 15–17 Hours

Average transit: 15–17 hours for a full northbound or southbound passage through the 193-km (120-mi) canal.

Variables Affecting Duration

• Vessel size/draft: Larger = slower, more careful maneuvering.
• Convoy system: Northbound/southbound convoys alternate; wait for slot.
• Traffic density: 50–100 ships/day; queues at anchorages (Port Said, Great Bitter Lake).
• Weather: Wind (sandstorms), fog, high seas at entrances.
• Pilotage: Mandatory SCA pilots; shift changes.
• Speed limits: 7.5–8.5 knots in channel; slower in lakes.

Process

1. Arrive anchorage → board pilots (2–3).
2. Enter convoy → transit channel (ballast tanks adjusted).
3. Great Bitter Lake: passing/holding loop.
4. Exit → disembark pilots → proceed.

Fastest / Slowest

• Fast: ~11 hrs (light traffic, optimal conditions).
• Slow: 24+ hrs (congestion, incidents, groundings).

Economic Note

Tolls: $200K–$800K+ per transit (by SCNT tonnage). Time = money; owners optimize speed vs. fuel.