Photos: One of the world's largest car carriers transits Suez Canal
The car carrier is 219 meters long, 37 meters wide, and has a draft of 10 meters. It has a capacity of 9,442 cars and was carrying 7,000 on board.
The carrier is operated by the Chinese shipping line BYD, the largest Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles. This is the shipping line's second voyage through the Suez Canal, following the transit of the BYD HEFEI on June 27.
The Chairman of the SCA explained that the canal has lately seen many positive developments in car carrier traffic and their transit rates, even despite current challenges.
Rabie anticipated an increase in the number of trips by the BYD shipping line, in addition to the regularity of some transits by the COSCO shipping line within its shipping services, in cooperation with Neptune Lines, which connects the Far East and the Mediterranean.
He referred to the passage of two trips under the United Global Ro-Ro shipping service, which was launched in February, linking Far East ports with Mediterranean ports and northwestern Europe.
Car carriers transiting the Suez Canal once again sends a message of confidence that the Canal will remain the main artery for global trade from East to West, he added.
The gradual return of major shipping lines to transiting the canal is inevitable, he assured, the pace of which depends on the current situation and geopolitical challenges in the region.
Rabie also expects the tonnage of car carriers transiting the canal to increase by at least 20 percent in the second half of this year compared to the first half of the same year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
12 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
China Begins Construction on World's Largest Hydropower Dam
Israa Farhan China has officially begun construction on what is set to become the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Premier Li Qiang announced a high-profile ceremony on Saturday, as reported by Chinese state media. The multi-billion-dollar project, estimated at $170 billion, will feature five cascading hydropower stations capable of generating 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually. This output is comparable to the total electricity consumed by the UK in a single year. China has positioned the project as part of its efforts to expand renewable energy, lower carbon emissions, and stimulate economic growth in Tibet. Electricity generated by the dam will be distributed to other regions while also meeting the energy needs of local Tibetan communities, according to official statements. The Yarlung Tsangpo, a 2,900-kilometre river that originates in the Himalayas, descends dramatically through what is considered the world's deepest land-based canyon. As it flows into India and Bangladesh, the river becomes the Brahmaputra, a crucial water source for millions of people across the two countries. The project has sparked serious concerns among Indian and Bangladeshi authorities, as well as environmental NGOs. Critics argue the dam could pose severe risks to the region's ecological balance and the livelihoods of those dependent on the river downstream. India's Foreign Ministry has publicly voiced its apprehension, stating it will monitor developments closely and take necessary steps to safeguard national interests. New Delhi has also urged Beijing to ensure that downstream nations are not adversely affected by upstream activities. Environmental organizations have warned of the irreversible damage that could be caused to the fragile Tibetan Plateau, which is already under pressure from climate change. NGOs have also raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding how many communities may be displaced due to the project. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Al-Ahram Weekly
20 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Incentives for major shipping companies boosted Suez Canal global standing: CMC
The Egyptian Cabinet Media Center (CMC) underscored Monday that the Suez Canal has regained its global stature, supported by strong incentives offered to major international shipping companies, as confirmed by international institutions. In a statement, the CMC noted that international institutions have a positive outlook on the Suez Canal's performance. According to the statement, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Canal revenues to increase by 88.9 percent over five years—from an expected $6.3 billion in 2025/2026 to $11.9 billion in 2029/2030—with estimated revenues of $8.2 billion in 2026/2027, $9.9 billion in 2027/2028, and $11.5 billion in 2028/2029. In this context, the CMC stated that the Suez Canal's regained position reflects growing international confidence in its ability to meet global challenges. Major institutions have praised its flexibility and unmatched maritime services. At the same time, the Suez Canal Authority has actively introduced a range of incentives and facilitations to attract leading shipping lines, enhancing its competitiveness as a safe and efficient navigation corridor amid rapid changes in global trade dynamics, according to the statement. According to Offshore Energy Magazine, which focuses on the maritime and offshore energy industries, the Suez Canal has continued its operations despite the crisis in the Red Sea. It is now offering a range of new maritime services, including marine rescue, water ambulance services, pollution control, ship maintenance and repair, and fuel supply. S&P Global also expects a gradual return to regular navigation traffic in the coming months, read the cabinet's statement. Fitch Solutions noted that the Suez Canal expansion, effective in Q1 2025, has increased capacity by 6 to 8 additional ships per day and improved its potential emergency response, with traffic recovery forecast for the current fiscal year. In the same context, British maritime publication Lloyd's List reported that several major shipping companies have resumed Red Sea routes amid improved security, highlighting the Suez Canal Authority's active role in incentivizing a full return to canal transits. Regional disruptions, gradual return In May, Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman Osama Rabie stated that the security situation had improved, allowing for a gradual return of vessels to the Canal. He noted that the unprecedented security tensions in the Red Sea had negatively affected navigation rates, forcing many shipping lines to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in longer sailing times, higher operational costs, and broader impacts on global inflation and end-consumer prices. The Red Sea crisis has demonstrated the indispensability of the Suez Canal, as it alone offers a unique combination of time efficiency, cost savings, and vital maritime and logistical services that the Cape of Good Hope route lacks. The severe disruption to Suez Canal traffic has been driven by Houthi attacks on vessels they accuse of links to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, carried out in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel's war on Gaza, forcing many vessels to reroute via longer alternatives, such as the Cape of Good Hope. In April, Chairman Rabie stated that the number of ships passing through the Suez Canal during the first quarter of 2025 decreased by nearly 50 percent. In March, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stated that Egypt was losing around $800 million per month in Suez Canal revenues due to ongoing regional tensions. In 2024, revenues from the canal declined sharply by 60 percent, with losses amounting to $7 billion. Despite the disruptions, navigation through the Suez Canal is gradually recovering, with several vessels resuming transit in late 2024 and throughout 2025, read the CMC statement. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
2 days ago
- Daily News Egypt
SCO partnership supports Egypt's modernization, regional stability: Chinese ambassador
The Chinese Embassy in Cairo hosted a seminar on Sunday under the theme 'Development and Impact of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Upholding the Spirit of Shanghai Cooperation and Advancing China-Egypt Relations with Steady Steps.' Chinese Ambassador to Cairo Liao Liqiang spoke about the SCO's evolution and its growing relevance for Egypt, emphasising China's commitment to strengthening cooperation between the organization and the Egyptian government. Founded in 2001 in Shanghai by China, Russia, Uzbekistan and other countries, the SCO has expanded from six founding members to ten, alongside observer states and partner countries. Liao highlighted that the organization is now the world's largest comprehensive regional body in terms of member states' population, land area and geographic reach—spanning Asia, Europe and Africa. The ambassador noted that Egypt became a dialogue partner of the SCO in 2022, enabling it to participate in all related dialogues and initiatives. 'The organization strives for justice and fairness—principles clearly reflected in its charter, which emphasises respect for different civilizations, shared development, dialogue, sovereignty, and resolving disputes through consultation,' he said. He added that the SCO promotes mutual benefit and regional security through confidence-building measures among member states, covering areas such as security, defence, border protection, intelligence cooperation, and countering terrorism, separatism and extremism. 'We want to strengthen cooperation with Egypt in combating terrorism,' Liao stated, underlining that the organization also supports economic growth both for its members and globally. Such cooperation, he noted, contributes to Egypt's modernization process, creates economic opportunities, and fosters dialogue between Egypt and other countries, aligning with the aspirations of the Egyptian people. This year, the SCO has prioritised sustainable development, and will hold a major summit from late August to early September expected to attract a wide range of global participants. The summit aims to enhance mutual political trust, increase trade exchanges, and boost the efficiency of cooperation mechanisms. Egypt's accession as a dialogue partner also reflects the organization's expansion into Africa and its commitment to deeper cooperation with the continent. Highlighting recent diplomatic milestones, Liao described the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Egypt as 'historic and highly significant.' It was the first visit by a Chinese premier to Egypt in 16 years and Premier Li's first stop on his inaugural trip to Africa. The ambassador said the visit demonstrates the keen interest of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government in strengthening ties with Egypt. During his visit, Premier Li held discussions and exchanged views with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, which Liao said further reinforced the partnership between the two countries, especially given the current regional and global context.
