Egypt tests new extension of the Suez Canal

Cairo: Egypt has tested a new 10 kilometre (6.2 mile) extension to the Suez Canal as it tries to minimise the impact of currents on shipping and incre...

Cairo: Egypt has tested a new 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) extension to the Suez Canal as it tries to minimise the impact of currents on shipping and increase the key waterway's capacity.

Two ships used the new extension on Saturday, a statement from the Suez Canal Authority said.

Authority chief Osama Rabie said the development in the canal's southern region will "enhance navigational safety and reduce the effects of water and air currents on passing ships".

Vessels navigating the waterway have at times run aground, mostly because of strong winds and sandstorms.

In 2021, giant container ship Ever Given became wedged diagonally in the canal, blocking trade for nearly a week and resulting in delays that cost billions of dollars.