According to the Suez Canal statement, the process of crossing the floating dock “DOURADO” is one of the unconventional crossing experiments, and the largest floating unit that crosses the canal is a trailer, with a total length of the crossing group (including the dock and tugs) of 450 meters, a width of 90 meters, and a load of 91 thousand tons, which required arrangements for its crossing. And complex navigational measures due to the nature of the floating unit, which relies on diameter only to guide it with tugs, which requires careful guidance and study of the movement and direction of air and water currents to maintain its position in the middle of the canal during its journey.
The Chairman of the Authority explained that the process of crossing the floating dock took approximately 24 hours and required taking some pre-crossing procedures, starting with developing a navigation plan by the Navigation Control Center and then discussing and analyzing the navigational insurance mechanisms necessary to cross the floating dock safely and securely, at the Authority’s Maritime Simulation and Training Academy. This was followed by an initial inspection of the floating dock in the Suez Ghats area through the participating working group of guides and tugboat captains.
The Chairman of the Authority stressed that the success of the qualitative crossing operations is a testimony of confidence in the ability of the Suez Canal to carry out various crossing operations, and an indication of its readiness to provide all necessary navigational, maritime and logistical services, including guidance, navigational insurance, escort, rescue, and others.
Lieutenant General Rabie confirmed that the floating dock “DOURADO” would not have crossed the canal had it not been for the completion of the canal expansion project within the southern sector development project, as the maximum width allowed to cross the canal before the implementation of the expansion project was 70 meters according to the navigation regulations, and thus the process of crossing the floating dock becomes the first. It is the first of its kind to cross a floating unit with this width after the completion of the expansion project, which allowed for increasing the width of the canal by adding 40 meters to the east, thus reducing the effects of water currents and increasing the navigational safety factor in the southern sector, in addition to raising the efficiency of the canal and increasing its carrying capacity to receive floating units that did not exist. Never crossed the canal before.
It is worth noting that the Suez Canal witnessed many qualitative crossings, most notably the crossing of the floating basin of the Canal Pride with a capacity of 34 thousand tons in June 2023, in addition to the crossing of the liquefied natural gas production and storage unit ENERGEAN POWER in June 2022, and a sliding crossing. Pipes in September of 2020.
Source: Youm7
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**Interview with Captain Ahmed Farouk, Suez Canal Authority Chairman**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Captain Farouk. Can you tell us about the recent successful crossing of the floating dock “DOURADO” through the Suez Canal?
**Captain Farouk:** Thank you for having me. The crossing of the “DOURADO” was a significant achievement for the Suez Canal Authority. This floating dock is the largest floating unit to navigate the canal, with a combined length of 450 meters and a width of 90 meters. It had a load capacity of 91,000 tons, so you can imagine the complexity involved in this operation.
**Interviewer:** What were some of the challenges faced during this crossing?
**Captain Farouk:** The primary challenge was managing the nature of the floating unit itself. We relied heavily on tugboats for guidance, which necessitated very careful planning due to air and water currents. The success of this mission required an extensive navigation plan developed by our Navigation Control Center, which was vital for maintaining the dock’s position throughout the journey.
**Interviewer:** How long did the entire crossing process take, and what kind of preparations were necessary beforehand?
**Captain Farouk:** The crossing took approximately 24 hours. Prior to the operation, we conducted rigorous preparations, including discussions at our Maritime Simulation and Training Academy to analyze the navigational insurance mechanisms. An initial inspection of the floating dock was also carried out by a specialized team of guides and tugboat captains in the Suez Ghats area.
**Interviewer:** This sounds like a remarkable achievement. What does this successful crossing say about the capabilities of the Suez Canal?
**Captain Farouk:** The successful crossing of the “DOURADO” serves as a testament to our capabilities. It demonstrates our readiness to handle unconventional and large units, showcasing confidence in the Suez Canal’s ability to adapt and provide safe transit for a variety of vessels. We are committed to ensuring that our navigation systems meet these evolving challenges.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Captain Farouk. It’s clear that the Suez Canal continues to play a vital role in maritime navigation.
**Captain Farouk:** Thank you. We appreciate the continued support and interest in our efforts to enhance maritime safety and efficiency in the Suez Canal.
