Dubai, UAE – Ekhbary News Agency
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) demonstrated swift and professional handling of a sudden technical malfunction that affected the engines of the bulk carrier “GLORY” at kilometer 38 of the Canal’s waterway on Monday morning. The incident, which initially led to reports of the vessel running aground, quickly saw its concerns alleviated thanks to the rapid and effective intervention of the SCA’s tugboats. These tugs promptly towed the vessel to the “Al-Ballah” repair area, underscoring the Authority’s efficiency in crisis management and its commitment to maintaining the smooth flow of international navigation.
Details of the Malfunction and Immediate Response
Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, stated in an official release that the Authority’s marine salvage team “dealt professionally with a sudden technical malfunction in the engines of the bulk carrier GLORY.” The statement clarified that the vessel was transiting as part of the northbound convoy, en route from Turkey to China, when it experienced the malfunction at kilometer 38, a critical point within the global shipping lane. Lt. Gen. Rabie emphasized that immediate actions were taken to ensure that navigation traffic was not significantly impacted, adding that “work is underway to tow the disabled vessel to kilometer 51 of the Canal’s numbering system” to position it in a safe area.
SCA’s Capabilities in Emergency Handling
The Chairman underscored that the Suez Canal possesses “the salvage expertise and the necessary navigational and technical assurance capabilities to deal professionally with potential emergencies.” These capabilities enabled the Authority’s rapid and effective response to the incident. Immediately after the malfunction was reported, four powerful tugboats were deployed, led by the tug “Port Said,” which boasts an impressive pulling power of 95 tons. This fleet of tugs facilitated the swift handling of the situation and the towing of the disabled vessel, allowing it to resume its transit through the Canal until it could be safely moored at the nearest suitable point in the Al-Ballah area for technical repairs.
Information on the Vessel “GLORY”
The “GLORY” is a substantial bulk carrier, measuring 225 meters in length and 32 meters in width, with a total cargo capacity of 41,000 tons. The vessel is represented by the shipping agency Inchcape. These details highlight the scale of the challenge faced by the Suez Canal Authority and the professionalism with which it managed the situation. The vessel’s significant dimensions and cargo capacity required intensive logistical and engineering efforts to ensure its safe towing without affecting the stability of the waterway or the safety of other transiting vessels.
Assurance of Continuous Navigation
The Suez Canal Authority confirmed that navigation traffic in the Canal was not substantially affected by the incident, and the measures taken ensured the continuous flow of vessels through the vital waterway. This assurance aims to reassure the international maritime community about the Canal’s ability to maintain its role as a key artery for global trade, even under emergency conditions. This incident serves as a new example of the Authority’s continuous efforts to develop and modernize its fleet of tugboats and marine rescue units, as well as to refine the skills of its operational teams, ensuring that the Suez Canal remains at the forefront of the world’s safest and most efficient shipping lanes.
🕐 نشر بقلم Belmont Fleet — الثلاثاء 21 أبريل 2026 — 9:41 مساءً
