Art. 49 - Formation of Convoys : (See Circular No. 4/1995)

A - Northbound Convoy :

(1) Starts at 0600 at Km. 160 and consists of two groups of vessels.

Group A :
i - Navy ships, 4th Generation Containerships, 3rd Generation Containerships over 40.000 SC.G.T. & similar, LASH over 35.000 SC.G.T., LPG and LNG (Loaded or N.G.F) and Loaded chemicals carriers (See Art. 54).
ii - Loaded VLCC'S, conventional loaded Tankers and Bulk carriers (Draught over 38 feet or length over 950 feet B.P.)

Group B :

Cargo and other vessels anchored in Suez Anchorage's.

N.B. : For safety measures, L,.P.G. and L.N.G . vessels, in ballast or loaded, and loaded chemicals in bulk are included in the Loaded Tankers group.
(2) The North bound convoy has a free run from Port of Suez till Port-Said. It passes through the East Kabrit channel, the Eastern dredged channel in the Bitter Lakes, the East channel of the Deversoir, the East channel of Lake Timsah, the East channel of Ballah loop and the East channel from KM. 17 Northward.

(3) In case the Northbound convoy has to stop in the Bitter Lakes due to traffic situation of Southbound convoy or emergency, the following must be considered:

Container vessels heading the convoy will drop anchor in the suitable East Anchorage Areas of the Bitter Lakes.
VLCC's will anchor in the suitable East Anchorage according to their draught.
All other vessels will anchor in the East Area corresponding to their draught.
Three berths are available in Kabrit East Branch in case of emergency.
NOTE: L.P.G., L.N.G. in ballast or loaded, and chemicals loaded in bulk For safety measures, they are included in the Tankers Group.

B - Southbound First Convoy (N1)

(1) Starts from 0000 hrs to 0500 hrs and consists of 3 groups of vessels

Group A : Vessels in Port Said Harbor.
Group B : Vessels anchored in the Northern Anchorage Area consisting of 4th Generation Containerships, 3rd Generation Containerships, VLCC's in ballast over 42 feet draught, LPG, LNG, N.G.F(LPG, LNG, N.G.F. vessels may join group A.) . vessels in ballast or loaded and LASH over 35.000 SC. G.T. This group will be headed by the Containerships and the first vessel will enter through Port Said East Approach channel in due time to join Group A at Km. 17.
Group C : Vessels anchored in Southern Anchorage Area will enter through Port Said West channel in due time to join Group B at Km. 17.
(2) This convoy has a free run to the Bitter Lakes, passes through the East branch of Ballah by-pass, the East channel of Lake Timsah, the Deversoir West channel and anchors in the Western Anchorage's in Bitter Lakes.

(3) The sequence of continue route from the Bitter Lakes will be Warships, LPG, LNG vessels, the 4th Generation Containerships, 3rd Generation Containerships over 40.000 SC.G. and LASH over 35.000 SC. G.T. followed by VLCC's in ballast and then other vessels. The first ship of the Southbound convoy will regulate speed to cross the last Northbound vessel abeam of Kabrit station.

C - Southbound Second Convoy (N2) :

(1) Starts from 0630 hrs to 0900 hrs. The forming and depth of this convoy is subject to situation of traffic and limit time.A third group may enter Canal from 0300 to 0430 hours according to traffic situation.

(2) 3rd & 4th Generation Container ships with more than one propeller astern shall be ahead of this convoy to anchor at Temsah Lake (maximum two vessels).

(3) Vessels will make fast in Ballah West Branch(Maximum capacity 15 vessels according to the NR. of berths at Ballah Loop.) , and continue route after the last Northbound vessel clears Km. 61.

(4) Dimensions of vessels that can make fast at Ballah West Branch should not exceed those indicated in the following table, excluding Tankers over 90000 Tons SC.G.T.

 
BEAM
 
DRAUGHT
ft
m
cm
 
ft
in
135
41
15
 
42
-
136
41
45
 
41
8
137
41
76
 
41
5
138
42
6
 
41
1
139
42
37
 
40
9
140
42
67
 
40
6
141
42
98
 
40
3
142
43
28
 
39
11
143
43
59
 
39
8
144
43
89
 
39
5
145
44
20
 
39
1
146
44
50
 
38
10
147
44
80
 
38
7
148
45
11
 
38
4

(5) Vessels not allowed to join this convoy are the following

Loaded Tankers (or Bulk carriers) carrying Petroleum Grade A or similar substances (Flash point below 23ºC or 73ºF, ascertained by an open test or any equal degree of accuracy).
Liquefied inflammable gas vessels (LPG, LNG, or similar Loaded or Ballast N.G.F. vessels).
Vessels not fitted with double bottom carrying chemicals in bulk.
Vessels carrying Radioactive substance Group 1.
Vessels Carrying dangerous wastes.
Heavy lifters (semi-submersible) carrying heavy lift units with tonnage exceeding the lifting capacity of their individual cranes.
Vessels carrying deck cargo protruding more than what is stated in Art. 26 of these Rules.
Vessels over 90 000 tons SC.G.T.
Navy ships.