Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority unveils new yacht discounts

Starting 1 November 2024, Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA) will introduce significant reductions in transit and mooring fees for yachts, with discounts ranging from 20% to 50%. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the attractiveness of the Suez Canal for tourist yachts and to boost tourism in the Red Sea.

This comes as the Gulf Superyacht Summit approaches, where regulatory developments will be discussed to position the Gulf region as the ideal winter yachting destination.

To qualify for these new discounts, yacht owners or their representatives must adhere to specific administrative procedures. This includes submitting documentation that confirms transit plans and the duration of storage at Ismailia Marina. Compliance with these guidelines, as detailed in the latest circular, is crucial for accessing the fee reductions.

Article One: Yachts with a gross tonnage of 300 tonnes or more are now eligible for streamlined transit through the Suez Canal. This includes direct inclusion in ship convoys and the ability to bypass waits at the Great Bitter Lakes anchorage, in accordance with the Suez Canal Rules of Navigation.

Article Two: Yachts under 300 tonnes are eligible for several incentives:

• A 20% discount on return transit fees for trips from the north to the Red Sea, provided the return via the Suez Canal occurs within 60 days.


• A 20% discount on transit fees for yachts moored at Ismailia Yacht Marina for over 90 days, regardless of the direction of journey.


• A 50% discount on mooring fees at yacht marinas in Port Said or Suez for yachts that moor to complete transit procedures without overnight stays or the use of additional services.

Article Three delineates the specific application requirements as referenced in Article Two. To access the discounts outlined:

The agent must submit a letter stating the expected date of the yacht’s return journey from the Red Sea, assuming it has previously traversed the Suez Canal. This letter must also provide proof that Circular No. 4/2024 has been delivered to, signed, and stamped by the yacht's owner. This documentation allows the Authority to monitor compliance and apply the discount within the specified timeframe.

These requirements are designed to ensure that all applications for discounts are thoroughly vetted and that compliance with the stipulated regulations is enforced.