Egypt Completes Trial Run of New Suez Canal Extension.

Egypt has successfully conducted a trial run of a new 10-kilometre extension to the Suez Canal, aimed at improving navigational safety and increasing the waterway's shipping capacity. Two vessels were used for the test on Saturday, according to a statement from the Suez Canal Authority.

Osama Rabie, the authority's chief, stated that the extension, located in the southern region of the canal, will help reduce the impact of water and air currents on passing ships, enhancing overall safety. Ships navigating the canal have previously encountered difficulties, including grounding incidents caused by strong winds and sandstorms.

The most notable of these incidents occurred in 2021 when the massive container ship Ever Given became wedged diagonally in the canal, blocking global trade for nearly a week and causing delays that cost billions of dollars.

Rabie added that the new extension is expected to increase the canal's capacity by six to eight vessels per day. It will become fully operational once updated navigational maps are issued.

This extension follows Egypt’s $8-billion expansion of the Suez Canal in 2015 and several smaller development projects since then. The canal has long been a crucial source of foreign currency for Egypt, which is currently facing its worst-ever economic crisis.

ET