The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has announced the successful trial operation of the canal's duplication project in the Small Bitter Lake, part of the development efforts in the southern sector.

PHOTO: Two bulk carriers transiting the new Suez Canal channel extension. SCA

The Small Bitter Lake, a saltwater lake in Egypt and part of the Suez Canal, serves as a natural reservoir and anchorage area for ships. Recently, two bulk carriers, Fu Xing Hai and Suvari Bey, navigated the new 10-km channel in the duplicated section of the Small Bitter Lake after the dredging project was completed. These vessels were part of the southbound convoy, using the new lane alongside four others transiting through the eastern lane - the original channel.

The new waterway is designed to improve navigational safety for ships. It also increases the total length of the canal's two-way section to 82 km, boosting its capacity by 6-8 additional vessels/day and enhancing its ability to handle emergencies, according to SCA Chairman Admiral Ossama Rabiee.

The duplicate section will begin operations as soon as updated navigational charts are issued.

However, the ongoing Red Sea crisis has diverted ships to the longer Cape of Good Hope route instead of the shorter Suez Canal. The Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, which started in November 2023, prompted shipping firms to reroute vessels by mid-December. 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated on Thursday that due to “regional challenges,” the country experienced a loss of approximately $7 billion in Suez Canal revenue in 2024, representing a decline of more than 60% compared to 2023, Reuters reported.

By Tuhin Roy

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