JOC Staff | Jan 17, 2013 11:00AM EST
The dredging process for a new side channel leading to east Port Said in Egypt has started, according to Inchcape Shipping Services.
The new channel will allow ships coming from the Mediterranean to enter the Suez Canal Container Terminal without hindering Suez Canal convoys.
With dredging, the SCCT will be able to accept vessels with a draft of 16 meters (about 52 feet).
The terminal is currently in discussions with the port authority and the Ministry of Transport on how best to implement the side channel.