The construction of the Suez Canal was initiated by the French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps and was completed in 1869. The canal is approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers) long and varies in width along its course. It has undergone several expansions and improvements over the years to accommodate larger ships and increased traffic.

The Suez Canal has been of significant geopolitical and economic importance throughout its history. It’s a major revenue source for Egypt, as the country charges tolls on ships passing through the canal. The canal’s control has also been a subject of political disputes and conflicts.

In 1956, Egypt’s then-president Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the canal, triggering the Suez Crisis. During this crisis, Egypt, with support from the Soviet Union, encountered opposition from Israel, the United Kingdom, and France. Eventually, the crisis was resolved, but it brought to the forefront the canal’s strategic significance in global affairs.

The Suez Canal remains one of the busiest waterways in the world, facilitating the movement of goods between Europe and Asia and influencing global trade patterns.

How Ships Transit Suez Canal?

Booking and Documentation

Ship operators and owners need to book a transit slot in advance through the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) or their appointed agent. The booking process involves submitting required documentation, such as ship particulars, cargo details, and other relevant information.

Convoy System

Ships transit the canal in convoys to optimize traffic flow and ensure efficient use of the waterway. Convoys are typically composed of vessels with similar sizes and speeds. This helps prevent congestion and delays.

Pilotage and Tug Assistance

All ships transiting the Suez Canal are required to have a Suez Canal pilot on board. The pilot is an experienced maritime professional who guides the ship through the canal, taking into account its size, draft, and handling characteristics. Tugboats may also assist larger vessels in maneuvering through narrower sections of the canal.

Speed and Navigation

In the canal, ships must maintain a safe speed to ensure stability and control. The authorities carefully manage navigation, and ships must stay within designated navigation channels to avoid grounding or collisions.

Navigation Aids

The Suez Canal is equipped with various navigation aids, including buoys, lights, and markers, to guide ships through the waterway. These aids help ships stay on course and avoid obstacles.

Passing Bays

The canal includes passing bays or sidings where ships can safely pass one another without obstructing the main navigation channel. These passing bays are strategically located along the canal’s length.

Tolls and Fees

The Suez Canal Authority charges tolls based on factors like the ship’s size, tonnage, and type of cargo. These fees help pay for the upkeep and running of the canal.

Navigational Challenges

The Suez Canal has certain areas with narrower widths and tight turns, which require precise navigation. Additionally, some sections have different depths, requiring ships to adhere to specific drafts to ensure safe passage.

Emergency Measures

In case of emergencies, the Suez Canal Authority has procedures in place to respond quickly and effectively. This can include providing assistance, medical aid, or towing services if a ship encounters difficulties.

Completion of Transit

Once a ship completes its transit of the Suez Canal, it enters the appropriate sea (Mediterranean Sea or Red Sea). The ship’s pilot is disembarked, and the vessel continues its journey to its destination.

Construction of the Suez Canal

The construction of the Suez Canal was a significant engineering achievement that connected the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing ships to bypass the lengthy and treacherous trip around the southern tip of Africa. Here’s an overview of the construction process and its historical context:

Background

The idea of creating a waterway linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas dates back to ancient times, with various rulers and empires considering the possibility. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that serious efforts were made to turn this concept into reality.

Ferdinand de Lesseps and the French Attempt

During the building of the Suez Canal, the French diplomat and businessman Ferdinand de Lesseps was instrumental. He obtained a concession from the Egyptian ruler, Muhammad Ali Pasha, in 1854 to build the canal. De Lesseps founded the Suez Canal Company and began construction in 1859.

Construction Process

The construction of the Suez Canal was a challenging endeavor due to the geographical and technical obstacles involved. The canal’s route crossed a relatively flat desert terrain, but it still required extensive labor and engineering efforts:

Dredging and Excavation

Workers used basic tools like shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows to dig and remove soil. Some areas required deeper excavation due to rocky terrain.

Manual Labor

The construction relied heavily on manual labor, including thousands of Egyptian laborers who toiled in harsh conditions.

Cutting through the Isthmus

The canal was dug through the relatively narrow Isthmus of Suez, which connects Africa to the Sinai Peninsula. This involved carving a channel through the sand and clay, occasionally encountering limestone and other rocky materials.

Water Sources

The engineers directed water sources from the Nile to ensure a steady supply of water filled the canal, particularly in areas with a lower natural water table.

Locks and Basins

To control water flow and accommodate changes in sea levels, the construction included several locks and basins along the canal’s length.

Challenges and Impact

The construction of the Suez Canal faced numerous challenges, including harsh working conditions, financial difficulties, and health concerns. Diseases like cholera and malaria were prevalent among the laborers.

The Suez Canal Company, led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, raised funds through both private and public channels. Shares in the company were sold to private investors, and the company also secured loans to finance the construction. The initial cost estimates for the project were around 200 million French francs.

However, the actual cost of the construction exceeded these estimates due to various challenges and unexpected expenses. The harsh working conditions, the need to control water flow, and the geological difficulties all contributed to rising costs. Additionally, the project faced financial setbacks and corruption allegations.

The Suez Canal officially opened on November 17, 1869 the total cost had reached around 450 million French francs. Its completion had a profound impact on global trade and transportation, significantly reducing the time and distance required for ships to travel between Europe and Asia. The canal’s strategic importance grew over time, as it provided a shortcut for maritime trade routes.

The Suez Canal and Political Crises

The Suez Canal has historically been a focal point for political crises due to its strategic significance and its role in global trade and transportation. Here are some key instances of political crises involving the Suez Canal:

Suez Crisis (1956): One of the most significant political crises involving the Suez Canal was the Suez Crisis of 1956. The nationalization of the canal by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser triggered anger in the United Kingdom, France, and Israel. The three countries subsequently launched a military intervention to regain control of the canal, leading to a complex international conflict. The United States and the Soviet Union played important roles in mediating the crisis, which ultimately led to a withdrawal of forces and the establishment of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) to oversee the canal’s operations.

Six-Day War (1967): In 1967, during the Six-Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors, the Suez Canal was closed. After the war, the canal stayed closed until 1975 because there were still problems in the area. The war had a significant impact on the geopolitics of the Middle East and further highlighted the canal’s vulnerability to political and military conflicts.

Yom Kippur War (1973): During the Yom Kippur War, between Israel and an alliance of Arab countries led by Egypt and Syria, the Suez Canal was a major battleground. The war resulted in a series of battles along the canal, and it highlighted the strategic importance of the waterway in regional conflicts.

Continuing Regional Tensions: The Suez Canal continues to be a potential flashpoint in the ongoing conflicts and tensions in the Middle East. Its strategic importance for trade, transportation, and military operations makes it a valuable asset and a potential target in times of regional instability.

Ever Given Blockage (2021): In March 2021, the Suez Canal gained international attention when the container ship “Ever Given” ran aground, blocking the canal for six days. The incident highlighted the potential disruption to global trade caused by accidents or other unforeseen events, emphasizing the canal’s crucial role in international commerce.

Overall, the Suez Canal’s location at the crossroads of global trade routes and its historical and contemporary political significance have made it a focal point for political tensions and crises throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.