What is Suez Canal?

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What is Suez Canal?

 

Why in news?

• Recently, a tanker transporting crude oil broke down in a single-lane part of Egypt’s Suez Canal, briefly disrupting traffic in the global waterway.
• The Malta-flagged Seavigour suffered a mechanical malfunction in a single-lane part of Egypt’s Suez Canal.
• The tanker was part of the north convoy, which transits the canal from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.

 

What is Suez Canal?

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Image Caption: Lay Out - Suez Canal

• About
  • The canal connects Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Egyptian city of Suez on the Red Sea.
  • It serves as a crucial international shipping route, allowing vessels to navigate between Europe and Asia without having to circumnavigate the African continent.
• Geographical location
  • The Suez Canal is situated in northeastern Egypt, spanning across the Isthmus of Suez.
  • It extends approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers) from the city of Port Said in the north to the city of Suez in the south.
  • The canal separates the African continent from the Sinai Peninsula.
• History Associated with the Suez Canal
  • The idea of constructing a canal across the Isthmus of Suez dates back to ancient times.
  • However, it was during the nineteenth century that significant efforts were made.
  • In 1858, the Universal Suez Ship Canal Company was tasked to construct the canal. The French and British held most of the shares in this company.
  • The 193 km long canal was opened for international navigation in 1869.
  • Until 1956, British powers controlled the canal. In 1956, during the Suez Crisis, Egypt nationalized the canal.
  • The canal remained under the control of the Suez Canal Authority until 1957 when it was reopened for international navigation.
• Importance of Suez Canal
  • For International trade
    • The canal carries – 12% of world trade, 7% of world’s oil, 30% container - ship daily.
    • Since, the canal has no locks, it can even handle aircraft carriers.
    • The canal provides direct route between Europe and Asia. This saves the fuel and brings down the transportation cost thereby making the international trade cheaper.
  • For Energy Security
    • The canal’s location makes it a key link for shipping crude oil and other hydrocarbons from countries such as Saudi Arabia to Europe and North America.
  • For Egypt
    • The canal contributed 2% of Egypt’s GDP pre-pandemic.
    • According to the Suez Canal Authority, last year, 23,851 vessels passed through the waterway, compared to 20,649 vessels in 2021.
    • It is a major source of revenue for Egypt. The revenue from the canal in 2022 reached $8 billion.
  • For India
    • Indian trade worth $200 billion to/from North America, South America and Europe is carried out using this route.
    • For India, it is a major route for import and export of ethane with the US, and the imports of crude from Latin America. Hence, it is important for India’s energy security.
    • It enables the Indian Navy to project its presence in the region and participate in global naval operations. This highlights its strategic importance for India.

 

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Q1) What is the geographical location of Port Said?

Port Said is a city located in northeastern Egypt. It is situated on the Mediterranean Sea and lies at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal. Port Said is part of the Port Said Governorate and is positioned on the eastern side of the canal's entrance, opposite the city of Port Fuad, which is located on the western side. The city serves as an important port and transportation hub, facilitating trade and maritime activities between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

 

Q2) What is Mediterranean Sea?

The Mediterranean Sea is a large body of water that is bordered by the continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar to the west and to the Red Sea via the Suez Canal to the southeast. The Mediterranean Sea is known for its historical and cultural significance, as it has been a major trade route and a center of civilization for thousands of years.

 

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Source: Oil tanker breaks down in Egypt's Suez Canal, briefly disrupting traffic in the global waterway | Suez Canal Authority | Britannica | TimesofIsrael