Voyaging through the Suez Canal

On February 18, I was awoken in the morning by an announcement: “Good morning, students! We would like to encourage all of you to take a look outside the window at the Suez Canal!”

I’d never heard of the Suez Canal before Semester at Sea, but I quickly learned of its importance in global studies. Passing through one of the most famous maritime routes in the world was a surreal experience.

As we sailed, I loved admiring the aquamarine water and Suez, Egypt. It’s fascinating to think about how many ships sailed through the passage and how many stories have accompanied them.

A Brief History

The Suez Canal connects the Red and Mediterranean Seas and is the shortest waterway from Asia to Europe. Prior to the canal, ships heading to Asia had to make a perilous journey around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa.

After France’s Suez Canal Company partnered with Egyptian Khedive Saʿīd Pasha, they built the canal from 1859 to 1869. It quickly became one of the world’s most heavily used shipping routes. During wartime and peacetime, all ships are allowed to use the route. However, this maritime law became blurred during global conflicts such as World Wars I and II.

The most currently available statistics show that in 2020, a total of 1,525 cargo, passenger, and container ships passed through the canal (Suez Canal Authority.) Today, the Suez Canal is among the most vital stimulants of global trade.

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Suez-Canal

https://www.suezcanal.gov.eg/English/Navigation/Pages/NavigationStatistics.aspx