“The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced on Sunday that the world’s largest and newest liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container ship, the CMA CGM GRAND PALAIS, successfully completed its maiden transit through the waterway. The mega-ship, operated by the French shipping line CMA CGM, crossed as part of the southbound convoy. It arrived from Singapore en route to Malta, having safely navigated the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to SCA Chairperson Osama Rabie. Operating on the MEX shipping service that links the Far East with the Mediterranean Sea, the vessel measures 400 metres in length and 61 metres in width. It has a capacity of 23,876 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) and a tonnage of 240,000 tonnes. Rabie stated that the transit serves as a new certificate of confidence in the canal’s capacity to accommodate the latest and largest vessels in the global container fleet. He noted that the crossing reflects the canal’s status as a safe and sustainable maritime route, providing fuel savings by shortening travel distances compared to alternative routes and aligning with the international environmental standards supported by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Despite regional challenges, Rabie emphasised that cooperation with CMA CGM is close and continuous, with the French group’s ships continuing to use the canal as a safe and preferred destination. Following SCA protocol for vessels transiting the canal for the first time, Rabie delegated Chief Pilots Captain Samir Gaafer, Captain Magdy El-Rafei, and Captain Hazem Ghaith to board the ship, welcome the crew, and present a souvenir to the ship’s master. The ship’s master, Captain Liang Zhihua, confirmed that continuous development projects in the canal’s navigational channel have granted mega-ships greater flexibility and navigational safety during transit, which he observed during this maiden voyage. He praised the efficiency and professionalism of the SCA pilots, noting that guiding such giant vessels and handling modern technologies requires exceptional navigational expertise, canal-specific knowledge, and positive cooperation between the ship’s commander and the authority’s pilot. In a separate development, the media office of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) announced on Sunday that Sokhna Port received the cruise ship CRYSTAL SERENITY, affiliated with the International Global Tourism Centre. The vessel arrived from the port of Mumbai, India, and docked at Basin 2 of DP World – Sokhna. Approximately 400 tourists of various nationalities are expected to board, joining a crew of 400 to 520 personnel. The ship is scheduled to arrive at the SCZone’s West Port Said port later this week to embark an additional 200 tourists, bringing the total capacity of passengers and crew to over 1,100 individuals. SCZone Chairperson Walid Gamal El-Din stated that the authority is keen to support various state sectors through its ports and industrial zones. He affirmed that the Sokhna port development project, executed by state institutions in coordination with the SCZone, has raised the port’s readiness to serve the industrial, commercial, logistical, and tourism sectors. Gamal El-Din highlighted the port’s historic achievement of entering the Guinness World Records for the deepest man-made port basin globally, at a depth of 19 metres. He noted this reflects continuous efforts to transform Sokhna into a pivotal Red Sea port serving as a gateway to Africa and a link between global markets. He added that the port administration has taken all necessary measures and coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of tourists and provide a distinct tourism experience. Meanwhile, the SCA is also expanding its own maritime capabilities. Chairperson Rabie announced the departure of the integrated petroleum supply and services ship, Fakhr 1, from the Ningde Tai Jinzhou Yuajin shipyard in China, marking the completion of its construction and its preparation to join the SCA fleet. The Fakhr 1 is owned by a consortium comprising the Timsah Shipbuilding Company, the Canal Company for Mooring and Lights, and the Canal Rope Company. It is the fourth ship in the petroleum services fleet operated by Timsah Shipbuilding Company, an SCA subsidiary, joining the vessels Aman, Ahmed Fadel, and Badr. Designed with the latest global technology for fuel-efficient marine operating systems, the vessel is equipped for diving operations and utilises a DP2 system, allowing it to maintain its position without the need to drop anchor. The ship is 64.8 metres long, 16 metres wide, with a draft of 5 metres, and is equipped to accommodate a crew of 60. Rabie stated that the Fakhr 1 crowns the authority’s efforts to enhance its maritime fleet with various units. He emphasised the SCA’s commitment to diversifying the income sources of its subsidiaries through serious contributions to gas and oil exploration, utilising units that keep pace with the latest global technologies. The Fakhr 1 has completed sea and dock trials at the Chinese shipyard in the presence of representatives from the Timsah Shipbuilding Company and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Rabie indicated that preparations to receive the unit and enter it into service will begin immediately upon its expected arrival early next month. The post World’s largest LNG-powered container ship completes maiden Suez Canal transit first appeared on Dailynewsegypt .
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