Suezi is located in the western Sinai Peninsula. The canal boats along the 163 kilometres is
located in Egypt that connects the two ports.
Suez Canal linking Port Said (Bur Sa'id) in the Mediterranean with Suez (al Suways) in the Red
Sea. Suez Canal opened in 1870 and built at the initiative of the French engineer Ferdinand de
Lesseps Vicomte.
The canal allows water transport from Europe to Asia without surround Africa. Before the
existence of this canal, some transport is done by emptying the vessel and carry goods by road
between the Mediterranean and Red Sea.
Suez Canal consists of two parts, namely the north and south of the Great Bitter Lake which
connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Suez. The following chronology of the Suez
Canal.
In 1854-1856 year, Ferdinand de Lesseps, obtained the right of Khadif Said Pasha of Egypt to
establish a company to build and operate the Suez Canal for 99 years.
In 1869 year, completed construction and is estimated to cost U.S. $ 41.86 million (USD 378
billion). In 1875, the Egyptian government financial deficit and sells the majority of the Suez
Canal shares to Britain.
In 1888 year, freedom through this channel for all vessels of all nations in peace and war is
guaranteed by the Convention of Constantinople. Then July 26, 1956, Egyptian President Gamal
Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal.
October 1956 year, Israel occupied the Sinai Peninsula, while Britain and France occupied the
position along the canal. April 1957, the canal was reopened to non-Israeli traffic and handed
over to Egypt as soon as possible shall indemnify shareholders in 1958.
In 1967 year, during the six-day war between Egypt and Israel, Egypt sank the ship thus blocking
the canal. As a result, the canal was closed for eight years.
Then in 1975-1980 year, the canal was widened and deepened to allow larger ships pass. In
1979, the rights of Israeli ship traffic improved by a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. In
1980, approximately 21,603 ships passed much of this canal.