The “eSuez” project, launched in August 2014 and completed in a record 12 months (costing ~$8.5 billion), added 35 km of new channel and deepened 37 km of existing ones, now allowing 97 ships/day to transit, compared to 49 previously. The new infrastructure includes a northern parallel channel and waiting areas, reducing transit times by several hours.
Issues & Repercussions
- International trade: 30% reduction in navigation time, increase in capacity, and increased flow between Europe and Asia.
- Public revenues: the doubled capacity aims to increase annual revenues ($3 billion before expansion).
- Strategic image: demonstration of the competence of the Egyptian State, signed by President Sissi, responds to the desire for stability.
Challenges & perspectives
- Despite an initial surge in traffic, the real usefulness has been questioned, especially in times of slow global trade.
- In 2025, the Canal Authority launched a new 10 km section, to accommodate 6 to 8 additional ships/day.
Maintenance & traffic managementare essential to avoid traffic jams and hazards (e.g. the Ever Given incident).
