The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) successfully managed the passage of ADMARINE 260 in an unconventional towing operation, reinforcing the canal's reputation as the safest and most efficient global trade route. The jackup rig, sailing under the flag of Liberia, spans 45.11 metres in length, 48.77 metres in width, and weighs 3,543 tons. Its complex transit required meticulous planning, as it was towed with the assistance of three powerful tugboats while being carefully guided by a team of senior SCA pilots. To ensure a smooth passage under the Al Salam Bridge, engineers implemented a strategic draft adjustment, allowing the rig to safely pass by scheduling its transit during low tide. The 22-hour journey began at Port Said, where the rig was secured to the lead tugboat Baraka, while Port Said 3 and Suez 3 flanked it for added stability and steering control. Navigation was carefully managed to counter strong water currents and wind conditions, ensuring precise positioning throughout the canal. To enhance safety, the rig was placed at the rear of the northbound convoy and moved at a controlled speed to navigate through dense morning fog. In the central section, its route was shifted to the New Suez Canal, a straighter and deeper channel designed for safer and more efficient transits. The operation involved 12 expert canal pilots, working in rotations across different segments of the passage, supported by real-time coordination with traffic control centers in Port Said and Suez, as well as observation stations along the waterway. Osama Rabie, chairman of the SCA, hailed the success of the mission, emphasising the canal's ability to handle diverse and challenging maritime operations. He reaffirmed that the Suez Canal remains the world's premier shipping route, offering vessels a faster, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to longer and riskier oceanic detours. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
