The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) affirmed its commitment to international agreements guaranteeing freedom of maritime navigation for all ships – whether commercial or military — transiting the canal, regardless of nationality.

The SCA said in a statement on Friday 1/11/2024 that this aligns with the provisions of the Constantinople Convention, which safeguards the canal's status as a vital global waterway.

The statement responds to questions circulating on social media platforms about the passage of warships through the waterway.  

The Suez Canal Authority clarified that "the passage of warships through the Suez Canal is subject to specific procedures."

The SCA added that the 1888 Constantinople Convention established the fundamental principles governing international dealings with the Suez Canal, preserving the right of all countries to benefit from this global waterway.

The first article of the agreement stated that the Suez Maritime Canal shall always be free and open, whether in times of war or in times of peace, to every commercial or military vessel without discrimination of nationality.