Suez Canal access channel opens

Terminal operator APM Terminals (APMT) has announced the opening of the new Suez Canal 8.5 km access channel linking East Port Said to the Mediterranean Sea.

The new access channel, which is 18.5 m deep, eliminates the need for vessels heading to the Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) to wait six to eight hours for a time window between vessel convoys transiting the canal.

The project, which represents an investment of approximately US$40m and was completed within three months, provides the ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) with 24-hour access to East Port Said and SCCT, where APMT owns a 55% share.