Canal Restrictions in Ship Chartering

Some ports and areas depend for access upon canals and waterways. The problem with waterways is always one of size and one has seen in such places as the Thames, where the increase in ship sizes has caused docks nearer to the city slowly to fall into disuse and those further down stream to be developed. The problem of size is even more apparent when one is looking at man-made waterways that have been specifically built to create or improve access. What may have seemed more than big enough at the time of construction can be very restricting to contemporary sizes of ships.

A good example of this is the St Lawrence Seaway that is in fact a series of canals linking the North American Great Lakes to the sea. The Lakes themselves have plenty of depth but the decision had to be made on the dimensions of the canal locks. These were an enormous undertaking; one must remind oneself of the Niagara Falls because that is the height that the locks have to lift ships from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.

Eventually the compromise between ships’ requirements and civil engineering constraints resulted in limitations of 26 feet fresh water maximum draft with 222.5 meters maximum length and 23.16 meters maximum beam.

In practice this has meant that the largest ships the Seaway can accept are of about 30,000 DWT which can load up to about 18,000 mtons on the Seaway draft of 26′ and then complete (top-off) at Montreal. Because of the complexity of the different canals and locks, ships have to equip themselves with several extra accessories such as special fairleads for their mooring lines, on-board sewage systems to avoid polluting the lakes, extra lighting etc. Managers of ships intending to enter the Lakes are advised to make their preparations well in advance.

Despite these restrictions, to which must, of course be added the complete shut-down during three of the winter months due to ice, the St. Lawrence Seaway is still a very valuable link to the grain and industrial heartlands of the USA and Canada.

The Panama Canal which first opened in 1914, links the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans thus saving many days of steaming round the southern tip of South America. So important is this link, especially to Japan, that a study into building a second, larger canal has been initiated by that country.

New Panama Canal locks 2015 restrictions: The new locks at Panama Canal are designed for passage of ships with draft up to 50 ft (15.20 m), and length of 366 m. New Panamax (Neo Panamax) to describe a design incorporating the maximum dimensions that the canal can accept, is now firmly implanted in shipping’s vocabulary.

Just as famous and even older is the Suez Canal which fortunately for the builders in 1859 needed no locks as the levels of the Mediterranean and the Red Seas are the same; even so it took ten years to build. Because there are no locks, it has been possible to increase the dimensions of the Suez Canal as ships have increased in size. This now means that ships drawing as much as 53 feet can be accepted which allows ships of around 150,000 DWT fully laden to use it and ships in ballast as large as 370,000 DWT can be accommodated.

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Suez Canal Restrictions

The Suez Canal is a key waterway for international trade, stretching 193.3 kilometers (120 miles) and connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. It facilitates a significant portion of the world’s maritime trade, notably between Europe and Asia, thus avoiding the need to navigate around Africa. Here are some of the primary restrictions associated with the Suez Canal:

1. Size of Ships: The Suez Canal has specific size restrictions, called Suezmax, that dictate the maximum size of ship that can navigate the canal. The term Suezmax typically implies the following maximum measurements: draft (how deep in the water it sits) of 20.1 meters (66 ft), width (beam) of 50 meters (164 ft), and height above water (air draft) of 68 meters (223 ft).
2. Convoy System: Because of the canal’s narrow size and lack of alternative lanes, ships often have to transit in convoys. That means ships sometimes have to wait at the entrances of the canal for their turn to traverse.
3. Tolls: Ships passing through the Suez Canal have to pay tolls, which are determined based on the ship’s size, type, and cargo.
4. Security Restrictions: Given the geopolitical tensions in the region, there may be security concerns and restrictions. Ships may be subject to inspections or other security-related delays.
5. Navigation Rules: Ships must adhere to specific navigation rules in the Suez Canal, including speed limits and rules about passing other ships.

Please note that restrictions and regulations can change, so it’s always a good idea to consult the latest information from the Suez Canal Authority or a trusted maritime source.

 

Panama Canal Restrictions

There were several restrictions on ships passing through the Panama Canal. These restrictions largely have to do with the size of the ship, but they can also be influenced by factors such as the canal’s current traffic, weather conditions, and safety considerations.

Here are the key restrictions:

1. Size: The maximum size of a ship that can pass through the Panama Canal is defined by the dimensions of the canal’s locks. A ship fitting within these dimensions is known as a “Panamax” ship. The maximum dimensions for a Panamax ship are:
   • Length: 294.13 meters (965 feet)
   • Width: 32.31 meters (106 feet)
   • Draft (or depth in the water): 12.04 meters (39.5 feet)
   • Height above water: 57.91 meters (190 feet)
2. Tonnage: Ships must not exceed a certain gross tonnage to pass through the canal. Gross tonnage is a measure of the overall internal volume of a ship, with one ton representing 100 cubic feet.
3. Safety: The Panama Canal Authority has the right to inspect ships for safety compliance. Ships that do not comply with international safety standards may be refused passage.
4. Environmental impact: Ships must also comply with environmental regulations, such as those related to waste management and air emissions.
5. Booking and Tolls: Transit through the canal is not free, and ships must pay a toll. The toll is determined by the type of ship, its size, and the type of cargo it carries. The canal also operates on a schedule, and ships must book their transit in advance. Slots are limited and are given on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Note that after the expansion of the canal in 2016, larger ships known as “New Panamax” or “NeoPanamax” can now transit the canal. These ships have a maximum length of 366 meters (1,200 feet), a width of 49 meters (160 feet), a draft of 15.2 meters (50 feet), and a height of 57.91 meters (190 feet).

Please consult the Panama Canal Authority’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date and detailed information, as these restrictions can change over time.

New Panama Canal Restrictions

After the expansion of the canal in 2016, larger ships known as “New Panamax” or “NeoPanamax” can now transit the canal. These ships have a maximum length of 366 meters (1,200 feet), a width of 49 meters (160 feet), a draft of 15.2 meters (50 feet), and a height of 57.91 meters (190 feet).

 

St. Lawrence Seaway Restrictions

The Saint Lawrence Seaway, a binational (Canada and the United States) waterway, allows for commercial shipping between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. It includes a system of canals, locks, and channels in Canada and the United States. Although the Seaway provides significant trade benefits, it also comes with certain restrictions that ships must adhere to.

1. Size Limitations: The Seaway is subject to size restrictions, often referred to as Seawaymax. These restrictions limit the size of ships that can pass through the system. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, the maximum ship size is approximately 225.5 meters (740 feet) in length, 23.8 meters (78 feet) in width, and 8.2 meters (27 feet) draft (depth).
2. Seasonal Operation: The Seaway typically operates seasonally, usually from late March or early April through December, due to freezing conditions during winter.
3. Navigation: Ships must follow specific navigation rules when traveling through the Seaway, including speed limits and passing restrictions in certain areas.
4. Safety Standards: Ships are required to meet stringent safety standards. They must be seaworthy, carry proper equipment, and follow pollution prevention rules.
5. Inspection: All ships passing through the Seaway are subject to inspection by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation in the U.S. and The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation in Canada.
6. Fees: There are various fees for using the Seaway, including tolls based on the type and size of the ship and the type of cargo carried.

These restrictions are designed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Seaway and to prevent environmental harm. It is always essential to check the latest regulations directly from the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation or The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation.

 

Malacca Strait Restrictions

The Strait of Malacca, one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, has certain restrictions due to its narrow width, shallow depth, heavy traffic, and the potential for piracy. Here are a few notable restrictions and challenges:

1. Narrow Width and Shallow Depth: The narrowest point of the Strait of Malacca is only 2.7 km wide, and its shallowest depth is less than 25 meters. Large ships, particularly fully laden Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs), can have difficulty navigating this strait. There’s a size restriction called Malaccamax to describe the maximum-size ship that can pass through the strait, which is less than Suezmax and much smaller than Capesize.
2. Traffic Congestion: The strait is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, with more than 100,000 ships passing through each year. This traffic congestion can result in a higher risk of accidents and collisions.
3. Piracy Risk: Historically, the Strait of Malacca has been known for incidents of piracy. Although efforts have been made to combat this issue, it still poses a risk to ships travelling through the area.
4. Environmental Concerns: Ships are also subject to restrictions related to pollution control. Dumping waste, oil spills, and emission of harmful gases are monitored and controlled according to international maritime laws.
5. Political Issues: The strait is bordered by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Disputes between these countries over territorial waters and shipping rights can impose additional restrictions on the passage.
6. Navigational Challenges: The strait has several narrow points, shallows, and shifting sandbanks. Ships are often required to employ experienced local pilots to help navigate these challenges.

 

Bosphorus Strait Restrictions

The Bosphorus Strait is a narrow, natural strait that forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. It’s an extremely important waterway due to its strategic location and has been historically significant for centuries. The strait is under the jurisdiction of Turkey.

The rules and restrictions governing passage through the Bosphorus Strait are defined under the 1936 Montreux Convention, which gave Turkey control over the straits and allowed it to demilitarize the Dardanelles. Here are the key points:

1. Civilian Ships: Civilian ships enjoy freedom of passage during both peacetime and wartime. They can traverse the strait without the requirement of a pilot or tugboat. However, they must comply with specific safety regulations, including speed limits and rules of navigation.
2. Commercial Ships: No restrictions apply to commercial ships, regardless of their flags, passing through in peacetime. However, Turkey reserves the right to regulate their passage for reasons of safety.
3. Military Ships: The regulations for military ships are more complex. For non-Black Sea states, there are restrictions on the number, tonnage, and duration of stay for warships that can pass through the strait. The aggregate tonnage of all foreign warships in the strait and the Black Sea cannot exceed 30,000 tons, and the duration of their stay is limited to 21 days.
4. Submarines: Submarines from non-Black Sea countries are not allowed to pass under normal circumstances. Black Sea countries’ submarines can pass through only when returning to their home bases, and under the surface.
5. Aircraft Carriers: Non-Black Sea states are not allowed to send aircraft carriers through the straits.
6. Times of War and Threat to Turkey: In times of war, or if Turkey perceives itself to be threatened with imminent danger of war, it has full discretion to close the straits to all foreign warships.
7. Environmental Regulations: Ships must adhere to the 1990 “Regulation for the Straits” which includes several environmental protections. For instance, ships carrying hazardous and noxious substances must notify Turkish authorities before transit.

However, it’s important to note that these rules can be subject to international disputes and tensions, particularly given the strategic importance of the Bosphorus Strait.

Bosphorus Strait Ship Size Limitations

The Bosphorus Strait is one of the busiest maritime passages in the world, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and, by extension, the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. It runs right through Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city. Because of the strait’s narrow width and high traffic, there are size restrictions for ships passing through.

Ship passing through the Bosphorus Strait must not exceed the following limits:

• Maximum Length: 200 meters
• Maximum Width (Beam): 50 meters
• Maximum Draft: 25 meters

These are general guidelines, but specific restrictions can vary and are dependent on the ship’s class and other safety considerations. For instance, ships carrying dangerous cargo may face stricter regulations. Ships must also comply with the rules and regulations set by the Turkish Straits Ship Traffic Service, which governs the navigation through the strait.

It’s worth noting that these regulations may have changed since my last update. Always consult the latest regulations and guidelines from the appropriate Turkish authorities or maritime agencies before planning a journey through the Bosphorus Strait.

Bosphorus Strait Ship Size Limitations

The Bosphorus Strait is one of the busiest maritime passages in the world, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and, by extension, the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. It runs right through Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city. Because of the strait’s narrow width and high traffic, there are size restrictions for ships passing through.

Ships passing through the Bosphorus Strait must not exceed the following limits:

• Maximum Length: 200 meters
• Maximum Width (Beam): 50 meters
• Maximum Draft: 25 meters

These are general guidelines, but specific restrictions can vary and are dependent on the ship’s class and other safety considerations. For instance, ships carrying dangerous cargo may face stricter regulations. Ships must also comply with the rules and regulations set by the Turkish Straits Ship Traffic Service, which governs the navigation through the strait.

Dardanelles Strait Restrictions

The Dardanelles Strait, also known as the Hellespont, is a narrow, internationally significant waterway in northwestern Turkey that connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It’s part of the strategic waterway system that includes the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea. These straits are critical for international navigation, particularly for countries like Russia and Ukraine that rely on them for access to warm water ports.

However, passage through these straits is regulated by the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, an international agreement signed in 1936. This convention grants Turkey control over the straits but places restrictions on the passage of naval warships. These restrictions are:

1. Limitations on non-Black Sea states: Non-Black Sea states’ warships in the straits must be under a certain tonnage (15,000 tons) and are restricted in their aggregate tonnage. They cannot stay in the Black Sea for more than 21 days.
2. Black Sea states: For countries bordering the Black Sea, there are no tonnage restrictions. However, these states must notify Turkey in advance before transiting their warships through the straits.
3. In times of war: If Turkey is belligerent in a war, it can close the straits to all foreign warships. Similarly, it can also refuse transit to merchant ships from countries at war with Turkey.
4. Neutral during war: If Turkey remains neutral during a war, then the transit of warships will be subject to the provisions of the Convention and international law.

These rules apply not only to the Dardanelles but also to the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. While the Montreux Convention restricts the movement of naval warships, it guarantees the free passage of civilian ships in peacetime.

 

 

Dardanelles Strait Ship Size Limitations

Ships passing through the Dardanelles Strait must not exceed the following limits

 

 

Kiel Canal Restrictions

The Kiel Canal, also known as the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal in Germany, is one of the world’s most heavily used shipping routes. This man-made waterway links the North Sea with the Baltic Sea, providing a quicker and safer route for ships. However, there are certain restrictions on the use of this canal. We advise checking with the official German authorities for the most current information.

Here are some of the common restrictions:

1. Size: The maximum size of ship that can use the Kiel Canal is defined by the size of the locks at both ends of the canal. Currently, the maximum permissible dimensions were:
   • Length: 235.50 meters
   • Beam: 32.50 meters
   • Draft: 7.00 meters in fresh water
   • Height: 40.00 meters above water (depending on the tide)
2. Speed Limits: There are speed limits for ships travelling through the canal, which are designed to prevent damage to the canal banks. The speed limit was 15 km/h for large ships and 20 km/h for small ships.
3. Towage: For safety reasons, certain types of ships may be required to use a tug for assistance when passing through the canal. This includes ships of certain sizes, ships carrying certain types of cargo, and ships with certain technical conditions.
4. Navigation: Navigation in the Kiel Canal is regulated by the German authorities and follows international rules for inland navigation. Ships are usually required to have a pilot on board.
5. Environmental Regulations: The Kiel Canal is subject to a variety of environmental regulations. For example, there may be restrictions on discharging ballast water or other types of waste.
6. Transit Charges: Ships using the Kiel Canal are required to pay transit charges, which are based on the net tonnage of the ship.

 

 

Kiel Canal Ship Size Limitations

Ships passing through the Kiel Canal must not exceed the following limits

The maximum permissible dimensions for ships intending to transit the Kiel Canal were:

• Length: 235.50 meters (or approximately 772 feet)
• Beam (width): 32.50 meters (or approximately 107 feet)
• Draft: 7.00 meters in fresh water (or approximately 23 feet)
• Height: 40.00 meters above water (or approximately 131 feet, depending on the tide)

These measurements reflect the overall size of the ship including any protrusions such as bridge wings or other structural elements.

 

 

BIMCO Stoppage of Canals and Waterways Clause 1968 (Code Name: CONWAY)

We kindly suggest that you visit the web page of BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council) to learn more about BIMCO Stoppage of Canals and Waterways Clause 1968 and to obtain the original Charter Party forms and documents. www.bimco.org