Highest level of security in Suez

June 2013

As piracy looms off the east and west coasts of Africa, and Egypt has seen much recent instability, many are wondering if the Suez Canal is secure enough for merchant vessels. Linking the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea, the Suez canal sees nearly 20,000 vessels pass through its waterways annually.

In an effort to dissuade worries about piracy in, near or around the canal, Chairman of the Suez Cana Authority — the body charged with overseeing the operation and security of the canal — Vice Admiral Mohab Mamish traveled the navigation line this past Saturday. The purpose of his journey was to inspect the security from beginning to end, and he was satisfied.

He proclaimed that the security measures of the highest degree have been adopted and that the waterway is completely say for commercial vessels. He noted that complete coordination between military and other security forces was made.