Plans have been put in place in Egypt to commence building a new Suez Canal that will run alongside the existing 145 year old shipping canal for approx 72 kilometers.
This project is designed to increase the trade on the fastest shipping method between Europe and Asia.
The estimated cost of drilling the new channel is approx USD4 billion, with Egypt allowing 5 years for completion (but they are striving to finish it within 3 years – go Egypt!).
This new channel, along with an expansion to the Suez port, is aiming to raise Egypt’s international profile and establish it as a major trade hub.
“This giant project will be the creation of a new Suez Canal parallel to the current channel of a total length of 72 kilometres (44.74 miles),” Mohab Mamish, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, told a conference in Ismailia, a port town on the Canal. His comments were broadcast by state television.
We have complied some interesting facts for you about the existing Suez Canal:
– The waterway opened in 1869 after 10 years of construction
– The “Aigle” was the first ship to pass through the Suez Canal in 1869
– The Suez Canal is approx 193kms long and runs north to south
– 17,225 vessels passed through the canal in 2012
– The canal allows ships to travel between Europe and Asia with ease, without the hassle of sailing around Africa.
– There are no locks on the waterway to control the levels (as both the Mediterranean and Red Seas are the same level).
Image and source credits: gcaptain.com
