COPENHAGEN: The construction of a second waterway at the Suez Canal now allows north- and southbound vessels to pass each other through most of the canal. This means shorter transit time and more traffic through the important trade link. The enlargement of the canal will reduce the southbound transit time from 18 to 11 hours and allow larger vessels to pass through the canal.
After more than 43,000 workers dug out 242 million cubic meters of soil in only 12 months, the new and enlarged Suez Canal will be declared officially open Thursday 6 August 2015. Thereby, 20150804-Suez-Canal-Soren-Toftone of the world’s most important trade routes – the almost 150 year old waterway between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean – has doubled its capacity. “Suez is a vital connection in the world’s infrastructure and this expansion will both help us, as a heavy user, and support global trade flow,” says Søren Toft, Chief Operating Officer in Maersk Line, who will go to Egypt to attend the Grand Opening.
“The project confirms the Suez Canal Authority commitment to accommodating growth in trade and vessel sizes, an effort we welcome from all our partners and suppliers,” Toft says.
