Suezmax

"Suezmax" is a naval architecture term for the largest ship measurements capable of transiting the Suez Canal in a laden condition, and is almost exclusively used in reference to tankers.

The current channel depth of the canal allows for a maximum of 20.1 metres (66 ft) of draft,[2] meaning that a few fully laden supertankers are too deep to fit through, and either have to unload part of their cargo to other ships ("transhipment") or to a pipeline terminal before passing through, or alternatively avoid the Suez Canal and travel around Cape Agulhas instead.

[3] The similar terms Panamax, Malaccamax, and Seawaymax are used for the largest ships capable of fitting through the Panama Canal, the Strait of Malacca and Saint Lawrence Seaway, respectively.

As of 2020, the largest container ships in service all have a length of (close to) 400 metres, and a beam and draft that fit just within the limits of the canal.

[4][5] The ship Ever Given, which ran aground in the Canal in 2021, has Suezmax size being 399.9 metres long and with a 58.8-metre (193 ft) beam.

Two ships moored at El Ballah during a Suez Canal transit
Post-deepening of the Suez Canal , larger ships pass through the canal – in this case, a capesize bulk carrier approaches the Egyptian–Japanese Friendship Bridge
Comparison of bounding box of Suezmax with some other ship sizes in isometric view