Commercial Transits

Strategic Advantage

The Corinth Canal is one of the most important maritime corridors in the Mediterranean, connecting the Western Mediterranean, the Ionian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea with the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Thanks to its geographical location, it offers a shorter and more efficient maritime route, helping to reduce travel time, operating costs, and ships’ exposure to adverse weather conditions.

Ongoing investments in technical reinforcement, digital transformation, and advanced monitoring systems ensure high levels of safety, operational readiness, and reliability.

One of the world’s most important and historic maritime passages, which continues to be a strategic routing choice for international shipping.

Crossing Services

Safe and Controlled Passage

The Canal provides specialized towing and navigation services, contributing to the safe, smooth, and efficient passage of vessels.

These services are provided in accordance with the Canal’s Navigation Regulations and are supported by experienced personnel, specialized operational resources, and modern coordination procedures.

The conditions, cases of mandatory application, and operational requirements for towing and pilotage services are specified in the current Navigation Regulations.

Billing & Payments

Toll Fees The tolls are calculated based on:

of the routing category,
the ship’s net tonnage και
of the crossing services provided.

To calculate the toll cost immediately, you can use the Canal’s online toll calculator.

Towage /Pilotage

Towage

The towing service is provided by the Canal’s tugboats and is mandatory or provided at the captain’s request, in accordance with the provisions of the Navigation Regulations.

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1. Towing is mandatory:

a) For sailing vessels without a propulsion engine or with a propulsion engine of insufficient power.

b) For vessels with a net tonnage of 800 koron or more.

c) For vessels with a net tonnage of less than 800 koron, if the Canal Authority determines, based on specific information, that passage without towing is unsafe.

d) For vessels carrying explosives, flammable, and generally dangerous cargoes, as well as for empty oil tankers.

2. The Canal Authority is required to provide a tugboat even to vessels with a net tonnage of less than 800 koras upon request by the captain.

3. Towing is performed using the tugboats provided by the Canal Authority for this purpose.

4. While transiting the Canal, the vessel must keep its engines running, with the primary purpose of the tow being to keep the vessel on the Canal’s axis.

5. The vessel must provide, at its own expense, the necessary towlines for towing.

Pilotage

The Canal’s pilots provide specialized guidance and operational support to captains during transit, drawing on their experience and knowledge of the specific conditions of the waterway.

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1. Navigation through the Canal is mandatory for all towed vessels. For non-towed vessels, navigation is optional unless deemed mandatory at the discretion of the Canal Authority. At night, pilotage is mandatory for all vessels with a net tonnage of more than 100 kor. 2. To prevent accidents while navigating within the Canal, pilots must check that the steering system is functioning properly before the vessel enters the Canal. Any abnormalities or malfunctions detected must be reported immediately to the Canal Authority to prevent the vessel from transiting. 3. Pilots provide captains with their experience and knowledge regarding the (prevailing) conditions in the Canal, offering their advice to the captains, who take their recommendations into account. Captains are solely responsible for any accidents involving the vessel, the crew, or the Canal’s property, regardless of their origin, provided they concern their vessel. 4. In the event that an emergency maneuver must be performed immediately, the captain may allow the pilot to directly issue the necessary commands for steering the vessel, without, however, being relieved of his responsibilities. 5. Masters must position the ship in a timely manner and in such a way as to facilitate the pilot’s boarding from the leeward side of the ship for safe boarding.

Fast track

The Fast Track Crossing service offers priority passage and faster service for eligible commercial vessels, helping to reduce waiting times and improve operational planning. The service includes:

Priority in transit scheduling

Reduced waiting times

Improved schedule reliability

Specialized operational coordination

Support from the Canal’s services

The service is intended for shipowners, ship managers, and shipping agents seeking greater flexibility and better control over their vessel’s schedule. For more information on availability and eligibility requirements, please contact the Commercial Department.

Operational Fleet

Supporting Safe & Reliable Transit
The safe and seamless operation of the Corinth Canal is supported by a specialized operational fleet, designed to meet the requirements of commercial transits at every stage of the process. The Canal’s fleet includes tugs, pilot boats, and operational support vessels, which contribute to the safe passage of ships, the provision of towing and pilotage services, and the maintenance of high levels of operational readiness. Together with the Canal’s specialized personnel, monitoring systems, and operational coordination, the fleet supports the reliable handling of thousands of transits each year.

Technical Specifications

Basic Technical Characteristics
The Corinth Canal is one of the most important engineering projects in global shipping and handles thousands of commercial and passenger ship transits each year. The technical specifications below outline the canal’s key operational characteristics.

Commercial Benefits & Fees

Saving Distance & Costs
Transiting through the Canal significantly reduces the distance traveled by sea compared to sailing around the Peloponnese.

Map of Categories A, B, & C
The Canal serves commercial shipping routes connecting major ports in the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, the Black Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Categories A, B, and C reflect the main geographic zones of origin and destination for ships and are used to calculate the corresponding charges and commercial incentives.

NEW BENEFITS & REWARDS FOR COMMERCIAL VESSELS

BENEFITS & REWARDS PROGRAM

For eligible vessel transits through the Corinth Canal.

UP TO 40% COMMERCIAL BENEFITS

Now enhanced with premium services designed for charter yachts.

Benefits & Rewards Program
Up to €40 Commercial Benefits for Eligible Crossings The Corinth Canal operates a comprehensive commercial incentive and rewards program designed to support more efficient maritime routes, reduced operating costs, and long-term partnerships with the shipping community. Through the Corinth Canal Benefits & Rewards Program, shipping companies, shipowners, and shipping agents can benefit from targeted programs that reward consistency, planning, and the growth of their business through the Canal. SMARTER ROUTING. GREATER VALUE. The program is designed to deliver tangible operational and commercial benefits.

Κατεβάστε το Πρόγραμμα Εμπορικών Οφελών & Επιβράβευσης

Fees & Payments
Transit Fees Transit fees are calculated based on:

the route category,

the ship’s net tonnage, and

the transit services provided.

To calculate transit costs immediately, you can use the Canal’s online fee calculator.

Price List for Transit Fees Download the current price list for transit fees and charges for the Corinth Canal, which includes the pricing categories, transit charges, towing and navigation services, as well as other applicable charges and surcharges.

Download the Price List here

Crossing Scheduling

Plan your next transit
The Corinth Canal offers modern digital tools and services that facilitate the planning, notification, and management of every transit. Through the online platform, shipowners, ship managers, and shipping agents can quickly and efficiently complete all required procedures.

Payments & Digital Services
Through the Canal’s Digital Services, you can:

Calculate transit fees

Submit a transit notification

Make an online payment

Register and manage your vessel details

Create and manage a fleet of ships

View previous transits and transactions

Reuse data from previous notifications to register new transits more quickly

Digital Services

Calculation of Fees

Click here

Video Guide

Guide to Using Digital Services

Click here

Supported Payment Methods

Payment via Pay by Link

Toll fees can be paid easily and securely through the Pay by Link service. After contacting the Customer Service Department (contact information), an electronic payment link is sent, through which the transaction is completed online using a credit or debit card.

Bank Transfer

Payment upon arrival at the Customer Service Department

Toll fees can be paid at the Customer Service Department (Isthmia) when the ship passes through. Accepted payment methods:

Cash

Credit card

Debit card

Hours of operation: Daily 08:00 – 22:00 Accepted Currencies

Euro (EUR)

U.S. Dollar (USD)

British Pound (GBP)

Swiss Franc (CHF)

POS payments are supported for transactions over €500.

Important! Crossings during nighttime hours are operating as usual for all ships that have completed the required arrival notification procedures and arranged their payment method.

Contact Us
Commercial Department Our team is available to provide you with information regarding transits, available services, commercial programs, and planning your next trip. Corinth Canal S.A. – Commercial Department Email: sales@corinthcanal.com Tel. +30 27410 30880

Document Downloads

Useful Documents & Information

Download informational materials, technical information, and useful documents to help you plan your next trip. Available Documents

Transit Tariffs

Canal Technical Specifications

Navigation Regulations

Digital Services User Guide