Be compliant with the lighting regulations of the SCA while passing through the Suez Canal.

The Suez Canal in Egypt is one of the world’s most critical maritime passageways, facilitating the transit of thousands of vessels annually. The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has established strict lighting and navigation regulations for vessels passing through to ensure safe and efficient navigation. Compliance with these requirements is essential to prevent delays, avoid penalties, and enhance maritime safety.

Suez Canal Navigation Light Requirements

Vessels navigating the Suez Canal must adhere to specific lighting regulations, particularly regarding the placement and colour of lights. These requirements ensure that ships remain visible in all conditions and that their manoeuvring intentions are clear to other vessels and canal authorities. One key requirement is the Suez Stern Light, a red stern light that differs from the standard navigation stern light. This additional lighting configuration is crucial for maintaining compliance with SCA regulations.

The SCA mandates the following key lighting requirements:

  • Masthead Lights: Proper placement and intensity to indicate vessel size and type.
  • Sidelights (Port & Starboard): Red and green navigation lights to indicate vessel direction.
  • Suez Stern Light: A mandatory red stern light used specifically in Suez Canal transits.
  • All-Around Lights: Used for anchorages and special signalling conditions.

See our detailed tech paper for signal light rules for the Suez Canal


TEF 2880 with Suez Stern: A Compliant and Reliable Solution

R. STAHL TRANBERG provides industry-leading marine lighting solutions designed to meet international and canal-specific navigation requirements. Our TEF 2880 Navigation Light series, equipped with the Suez Stern Light, ensures that vessels comply fully with SCA regulations while benefiting from robust, high-quality lighting solutions.

Key Features of TEF 2880 with Suez Stern:

  • Compliance: Fully meets Suez Canal Authority lighting standards.
  • All Required Colors: Available in red, green, white, and other navigation-specific colours.
  • Durability: Built for extreme marine environments, offering superior resistance to corrosion, water ingress, and mechanical impacts.
  • Energy Efficiency: LED technology for lower power consumption and extended service life.
  • Easy Installation & Maintenance: Designed for seamless integration into existing vessel lighting systems.

Ship operators can ensure compliance with Suez Canal regulations by equipping vessels with the TEF 2880 with Suez Stern, which improves visibility and enhances overall maritime safety. All navigation lights can also be installed with our TEF 4900 Control System, which complies with all the requirements for both the Suez Canal and Panama Canal.

Ensuring Smooth Passage Through the Suez Canal

Failure to meet the Suez Canal’s lighting regulations can result in operational delays and potential fines. Investing in certified navigation lights such as the TEF 2880 with Suez Stern is a proactive step toward uninterrupted passage through one of the world’s busiest waterways.

For more information on our marine lighting solutions, get in touch with our marine department.