Minister of Transport Galal Mustafa said the government approved a project to dig a side canal to East of Port Said harbor.
The new waterway, with a 9-Kms length 18.5-meters depth will cost around EGP510 million, he said on Sunday 19/2/2012.
The new canal will allow handling giant container ships, he added.
Port Said lies to the Northern entrance of the canal and is considered one of the most important Egyptian ports, due to its distinctive location.
Port Said is also an important harbor for exports of Egyptian products like cotton and rice, but also a fueling station for ships that pass through the Suez Canal.
It thrives on being a duty-free port, as well as a tourist resort especially during summer.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, February 20, 2012