Suezmax

Suezmax is a ship size classification used in the shipping industry to describe vessels large enough to pass through the Suez Canal between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The term reflects the canal’s physical limits, which determine the maximum vessel size that can transiting without needing to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. Suezmax is often used for oil tankers and large bulk carriers operating in routes that connect the Middle East with Europe and other markets.

Typical characteristics of Suezmax vessels include a length overall around 275 meters, a beam near 48 meters, and a maximum draft of about 20.1 meters (66 feet). Deadweight tonnage for ships in this class generally falls roughly in the range of 120,000 to 200,000 DWT, though the exact limits depend on hull design, loading conditions, and canal configuration at any given time. The Suez Canal Authority sets practical restrictions based on depth, width, and traffic, so individual voyages must comply with current canal rules.

The term contrasts with Panamax (ships limited by the Panama Canal) and Aframax (mid-sized tankers and cargo ships). Suezmax vessels are a staple of Middle East–Europe oil and commodity trades, as well as other long-haul routes that require canal transits. When ships exceed Suezmax dimensions, they typically must route via the Cape of Good Hope, making their journeys longer.

Overall, Suezmax remains a widely used category in fleet planning and route budgeting, balancing large cargo capacity with the canal’s enduring limits.