The Suez Canal, a maritime river that shortens the world's spatial distance

The Suez Canal, known as the crossroads of the world's waterways, is located on the Suez Isthmus, a flat isthmus connecting the two continents of Asia and Europe.

Why can a canal be excavated at the Isthmus of Suez?

The Suez Isthmus is a sedimentary layer composed of marine sediment, coarse sand, and sand particles accumulated during early rainfall, as well as the impact soil of the Nile River and sand blown by the wind, which is relatively easy to excavate. Digging a canal at the isthmus can connect the ocean or sea, saving sea travel.

The canal was initially completed after ten years of construction from April 1859 to November 1869. Engineering is great, but according to the social conditions at that time, it was definitely a river that was accumulated with the lives of migrant workers, blood, and tears. In 1976, the Egyptian government carried out an expansion project on the canal, which was completed in 1980. The expanded canal can accommodate giant ships with a full load of 150000 tons or an empty load of 300000 tons. The Suez Canal has stronger navigation capabilities.

The canal was initially completed after ten years of construction from April 1859 to November 1869. Engineering is great, but according to the social conditions at that time, it was definitely a river that was accumulated with the lives of migrant workers, blood, and tears. In 1976, the Egyptian government carried out an expansion project on the canal, which was completed in 1980. The expanded canal can accommodate giant ships with a full load of 150000 tons or an empty load of 300000 tons. The Suez Canal has stronger navigation capabilities.

The opening of the Suez Canal is undoubtedly of great significance. Shortened the long-distance shipping between the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Previously, entering the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean from Europe required bypassing the Cape of Good Hope at the southern end of the African continent. However, now entering the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea can shorten the Pacific voyage by more than 6000 kilometers. The journey from the Black Sea coast to the Indian Ocean has been shortened by over 10000 kilometers, while the journey from North America to the Indian Ocean has also been shortened by about 6000 kilometers. This largely depends on the fuel and time needed for shipping.

Nowadays, ships can travel back and forth nine times a year from the Persian Gulf to Europe via the Suez Canal, while detours around the Cape of Good Hope can only travel back and forth five times a year. Therefore, it can be said that the Suez Canal has great economic value and strategic position internationally. It is like a long waterway, connecting all long-distance voyages.