The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is extending rebates for LNG tankers travelling between the US and Asia through the canal, effective July 1, 2023.

A number of discounts would continue to be offered through the end of the year to encourage LNG tankers to cross the Suez Canal on both laden and ballast voyages, according to Circular no. (7/2017) concerning LNG carriers (laden/ballast).

Meanwhile, the higher of two sets of refunds will be applied to LNG vessels travelling between ports in Asia and the "American Gulf" and ports South of the "US Gulf."

Vessels pay the full normal tolls for the Suez Canal and then apply for the rebate.

The amended circular provides that Arabian Gulf ports — ports within the Arabian Gulf starting from Sur port, Oman — and eastern ports up to Cochin in India will be granted a rebate of 30% off normal Suez Canal tolls.

Ports located East of Cochin and up to Port Klang will be granted a rebate of 60% off normal Suez Canal tolls.

Port Klang and its eastern ports — including the Far East region — will be granted a rebate of 75% off normal Suez Canal tolls.

LNG carriers (laden/ballast) operating between ports on the East Coast of North America and India — and its eastern ports — will be granted a rebate of 10% off normal Suez Canal tolls for ports on the west coast of the Indian subcontinent from Karachi to Cochin.

Ports located east of Cochin — including the Far East region — will be granted a rebate of 35% off normal Suez Canal tolls.