The number of ship transits through the Suez Canal for the period of January-August 2011 shrank by 35% year-on-year, to 11,721 vessels, the Suez Canal Authority said.
In August the canal saw 1,537 transits, 7.4% below last year’s figure.
Suez Canal is a shipping waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. The canal is owned and maintained by the Suez Canal Authority[6] (SCA) of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The canal plays a key role as a gateway for Asia – Europe trade. The Russian Northern Sea Route is an alternative to the canal, though to pass the route ice-classed ships and icebreaker assistance are required.