Work on the waterway started in 1859. Since then, the Canal has witnessed more than most waterways. Today, it is one of Egypt's most important sources of revenue. Around 18,000 ships pass through it every year. Mustafa Sadeq, governor of Port Said.
Many officials agree.
A giant new artificial harbour is therefore being built east of Port Said to cope with the volume of international trade and to accommodate the increasing number of super-tankers. This harbour will be the third largest in the world after those of Italy and Singapore. The new harbour will cover a total area of 220 square kilometres. A duty-free industrial zone will also be established to the south on an area of about 88 square kilometres. A contiguous area will serve as an international administrative zone.