STORY: Suez Canal tests new lane to boost traffic
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 28, 2024
DATELINE: Dec. 29, 2024
LENGTH: 00:00:43
LOCATION: Cairo
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of ships traveling in both directions in Suez Canal (Source: Suez Canal Authority)

STORYLINE:

Testing has been successfully completed on a new lane at the Suez Canal. Ships will be able to pass in both directions along a 10-km stretch of the canal's southern section, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced Saturday.

SCA Chairman Osama Rabie said that two ships used the new channel after dredging work was completed. Rabie called the project a "major qualitative leap" that will significantly improve the canal's capacity and efficiency.
   
The SCA Chairman added that the lane will help ships navigate strong currents and weather conditions.
   
Transportation expert Mohamed Shehata explained that the extension provides a crucial backup route in case of accidents or disruptions in the main canal. "This added layer of resilience will ensure the continued flow of global trade even in unforeseen circumstances," Shehata told Xinhua.
   
The transportation expert added that the expansion is a strategic move to prepare for increased shipping traffic as stability improves in the Red Sea region.
  
The news comes after Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi revealed Thursday that Suez Canal revenues dropped by more than 60 percent in 2024 due to regional issues. Al-Sisi said that Egypt lost about 7 billion U.S. dollars in revenue due to problems in the Red Sea and in Bab al-Mandab Strait.
   
Despite the revenue drop, Egypt's president has instructed the SCA to continue promoting and developing the canal.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo.
(XHTV)