The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has introduced mandatory inspections and trials for vessels aged 25 years and older, imposing additional compliance requirements on shipowners and operators using the strategic waterway.
The new rules, effective from October 6, 2026, require older vessels to undergo a comprehensive inspection and sea trials before receiving permission to transit the canal. Applicable fees must be paid in advance, according to instructions issued by the authority’s Movement Department.
Under the regulations, vessels that have completed the required inspection and trials will not need to repeat the process if they transit the canal again within six months of their previous inspection. This exemption applies only if no defects, malfunctions or adverse technical observations have been recorded during that period.
The requirements cover all vessel types, meaning operators of ageing container ships, tankers, bulk carriers and other commercial vessels will need to account for the additional procedures when planning voyages through the canal.
The SCA has not yet specified the applicable inspection fees or the time required to complete the process. These uncertainties could affect voyage schedules and operating costs, particularly for vessels running on tight schedules or making irregular canal transits.
The move comes as the global merchant fleet continues to age. According to data cited by Splash247 from Clarksons Research, ships aged 25 years or older account for more than 150 million gross tonnes of global shipping capacity, a figure that has increased by 75% over five years. Vessels older than 30 years represent a record 68 million gross tonnes.
For shipowners and shipping agents, the new requirements make advance planning increasingly important. Operators will need to schedule inspections, confirm technical compliance and factor potential delays and additional charges into their voyage plans.
The Suez Canal is a key link between Asia and Europe, serving major container, energy and dry-bulk trade routes. The stricter checks are intended to reinforce maritime safety standards, while requiring operators of older vessels to prepare for more extensive pre-transit procedures.