Egypt's Suez Canal To Expand

Suez Canal (Photo: Reuters)

Egypt is preparing to open a major expansion of one of the world's greatest man-made sea routes - the Suez Canal.

BBC reports a new canal 35km (22 miles) long has been dug parallel to the existing waterway while the canal itself has been deepened.

Officials say more traffic will now be able to pass through the link, which opened in 1869 to join the Mediterranean with the Red Sea.

Photo: AP

Meanwhile BBC also reports the expansion of the Suez Canal has stirred up a nationalist fervour in Egypt - flags are flying, public spaces are decked with lights and billboards declare the waterway "Egypt's gift to the world".

Officials say the additional lane along part of the global trade route will allow more two-way traffic and shorten the waiting time for ships.

They predict that annual revenue from the canal - one of Egypt's main sources of foreign currency - will more than double in the coming nine years.

While many economists question those forecasts, it's hoped this project will draw back investors and send out a message that Egypt is returning to stability after years of turmoil since the 2011 uprising.