Cairo: Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Vice Admiral Osama Rabie has announced that car carriers traversing the Suez Canal are projected to surge by at least 20% during the second half of 2025. This forecast comes on the heels of the BYD XI'AN, a significant player in global car transport, making its maiden voyage through the Canal as part of the Southern convoy. The vessel journeyed from Singapore, en route to Italy.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the BYD XI'AN, which is among the world's largest car carriers, measures 219 meters in length and 37 meters in width, with a draft of 10 meters. The vessel boasts a capacity of 9,442 cars and was carrying 7,000 vehicles on its current passage. This ship is owned by BYD, China's leading electric car manufacturer. Another BYD vessel, the BYD HEFEI, previously navigated the Suez Canal on June 27.

Vice Admiral Rabie highlighted positive trends in the frequency and volume of car carriers using the Canal, despite existing global challenges. He noted a consistent pattern of regularity and increased traffic in car carriers through this critical waterway. Rizwan Kapadi, captain of BYD XI'AN, reiterated the Suez Canal's status as the shortest, fastest, and safest route for international trade.