“We expect the tonnage of vehicle carriers transiting through the Canal to increase by at least 20% in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half of the same year.”
Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, stated that navigation statistics of the Suez Canal witnessed, today, the transit of BYD XI'AN, one of the largest vehicle carriers in the world, on its maiden voyage through the Suez Canal as part of the southern convoy. The vessel is en route from Singapore to Italy.
The vessel is 219 meters at length, with a beam of 37 meters, and has a draft of 10 meters. Its accommodation capacity is 9,442 vehicles, and it is currently carrying 7,000 vehicles.
The vessel is affiliated to the Chinese shipping line BYD, China's largest electric vehicle manufacturer. This is the second voyage through the Suez Canal by the shipping line, following the transit of BYD HEFEI vehicles carrier on June 27.
Admiral Ossama Rabiee pointed out that the Suez Canal is witnessing various positive indicators regarding the regularity of vehicle carriers transit through the Canal and the increase in their transit rates despite the current challenges. In this regard, H. E. pointed out that the number of voyages affiliated to BYD shipping line is expected to increase, alongside to the regular transit of some voyages by COSCO shipping line as part of its maritime services in cooperation with Neptune Lines, which provide maritime services linking the Far East with the Mediterranean. Additionally, two voyages transited through the Canal under the new maritime service launched by United Global Ro-Ro in February this year, connecting ports in the Far East with ports in the Mediterranean and northwest Europe.
Admiral Rabiee emphasized that the return of vehicle carriers to the Suez Canal sends a message of confidence that the Suez Canal will remain the main artery for global trade from East to West. H. E. also added that the gradual return of major shipping lines to the Canal is inevitable, the pace of which depends on the current situation and geopolitical challenges in the region. He further anticipated a minimum 20% increase in the tonnage of vehicle carriers transiting through the Canal in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half of the same year.
On his part, Captain Rizwan Kapadi, the vessel's master, emphasized that the Suez Canal remains the shortest, fastest, and safest route for global trade due to the time and distance savings it provides, as well as the high standards of maritime and navigational safety and stable weather conditions when transiting through the Canal compared to the Cape of Good Hope route.