REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE CONTAINERSHIPS

A - CONTAINERS ARE CLOSED SPACE INCREASING THE CARRIAGE CAPACITY OF THE SHIP WHEN SITUATED OVER THE MAIN DECK (WEATHER DECK)

They are considered as a ship's permanent equipment. It is a matter of fact that those in the cargo holds are included in the under deck tonnage. A surcharge on Canal dues relevant to number of tiers on weather deck are taxed.

B - CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER CONTAINERS AS PART OF THE SHIP'S PERMANENT EQUIPMENT.

(1) They must belong to:

(a) The ship's owner.
(b) Or the time charterer.
(c) Or the container's consortium.
(d) Or containers leasing company.

(2) They must bear a serial number as well as the owner's name.

(3) They must be registered on the ship's official documents.

(4) The Master of the containership must assure to Suez Canal Authority Representatives all facilities concerning the measurement and number of containers, their internal capacities and the kind of cargo contained.

(5) Containerships are considered, in ballast:

(a) If all containers on the main deck as well as those inside the cargo holds are empty.
(b) If the main deck is clear and there are empty containers in the cargo holds; in this case, a ratio of 6% of the Suez Canal dues is to be added.

C - Presence of un-containerized cargo 300 metric ton or more, other than floating unit, on board (in holds and/or on upper deck) container vessels.
The actual volume of containers on deck are to be added to the taxable tonnage.

D - CON-BULKER VESSELS

This type of vessels will be treated, regarding dues and tonnage as follows:

(1) If the vessel carriers dry bulk cargo only, the rate of loaded dry bulk carriers is applied.

(2) If the vessel carries containerized cargo only, the rate of loaded container vessel is applied, plus the surcharge on dues relevant to number of tiers on weather deck.

(3) If the vessel carriers bulk cargo and containers, the rate of laden container vessel is applied. Meanwhile, the actual volume of containers on upper deck is taxed.

(4) When the vessel is completely empty, transit dues of ballast dry bulk carriers is applied.

(5) If the vessel is carrying empty containers only, the rate of ballast container vessel is applied, plus the surcharge on dues relevant to number of tiers on weather deck.