The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has announced the successful trial operation of a new 10-km duplicated section of the Suez Canal in the Small Bitter Lakes area. This development forms part of the broader project to enhance the canal’s southern sector.
According to Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the SCA, two vessels, FU XING HAI and SUVARI BEY, transited the new section as part of the trial. Simultaneously, four vessels, including the MATHILDE SCHULTE and COSCO SHIPPING TENG DA, passed through the original eastern waterway.
The duplication increases the length of the New Suez Canal to 82 km, up from 72 km, and is expected to boost daily capacity by accommodating an additional six to eight vessels. This improvement aims to enhance navigational security and reduce the impact of environmental factors such as water and wind currents.
Ahead of the trial, the SCA implemented several measures to ensure success, including the installation of navigational aids, assigning tugboats for escort, and deploying trained pilots. A trial manoeuvre was also conducted at the Maritime Training and Simulation Academy.
The duplicated section, covering the stretch from kilometre marker 122 to 132, will become fully operational once updated navigational charts are issued. The charts are being prepared in coordination with the Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department.