Egypt looks to Asia in hopes of boosting Suez Canal car carrier traffic

Egyptian authorities are hoping Asian car carrier lines will help boost traffic in the Suez Canal after major European lines abandoned the waterway over 18 months ago to avoid being targeted by the Houthis.

Suez Canal Authority chairman Lieutenant General Osama Rabie said Tuesday saw the 9,200-ceu BYD Xi'an (built 2025) pass sail through the canal en route from Singapore to Italy on its maiden voyage, reaffirming the waterway’s status as the main artery for trade between Europe and the Far East.