The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has issued a formal statement regarding the stranded vessel FENER, which has remained grounded off the coast of Port Said for nearly two weeks.
The Authority clarified that the vessel lies outside its legal jurisdiction, noting that it cannot initiate salvage operations without an official request from the shipowner or relevant legal authorities. However, the SCA issued a stern warning to the owner, stating they will be held liable for any potential environmental or economic repercussions resulting from the worsening situation.
Positioned five miles west of the Suez Canal’s northern entrance in the Mediterranean, the vessel poses no threat to maritime navigation within the waterway. The SCA confirmed that, to date, no formal requests for technical assistance or salvage services have been received from the owner or any authorized legal entity.
The statement further highlighted that despite the vessel’s location outside SCA waters, the Authority did not hesitate to fulfill its humanitarian duty. Responding immediately to a distress signal from the captain of the FENER, the SCA successfully rescued the entire crew in the early hours of Wednesday, January 14. This operation was carried out under challenging weather conditions, driven by the Authority’s “steadfast commitment to the preservation of life at sea.”
The Authority stated that it has maintained consistent monitoring of the vessel’s technical status via its specialized marine salvage team. These efforts are focused on ensuring there are no environmental hazards, specifically the risk of potential fuel leaks.
Furthermore, the SCA has communicated with the shipowner through their authorized shipping agent, demanding the vessel’s prompt removal and formalizing the owner’s liability for any economic or environmental consequences. On Wednesday, the Authority submitted a comprehensive technical report on the vessel’s condition at the agent’s request.
Regarding the environmental impact, the SCA confirmed that the situation remains stable with no evidence of fuel leakage. The cargo ship FENER is currently carrying a shipment of salt and utilizes light diesel (MGO) rather than heavy fuel oil (mazut). This significantly reduces environmental concerns, as light diesel is easier to contain and mitigate, particularly given the vessel’s small size and limited fuel tank capacity.
The Authority reaffirmed its coordination with the relevant bodies to implement all necessary measures for the protection of the marine environment along the coastal region of Port Said, should any fuel leaks occur.
