PHOTO GALLERY: First cargo ships pass through Egypt's New Suez Canal

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Mohab Mameesh, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, holds an Egyptian flag while overlooking work at the New Suez Canal, Ismailia, Egypt, July 25, 2015 (Reuters)

A military helicopter conducts an aerial patrol above the New Suez Canal, Ismailia, Egypt, July 25, 2015 (Reuters)

Mohab Mameesh, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority ,talks to state TV as he checks work at the New Suez Canal, Ismailia, Egypt, July 25, 2015 (Reuters)

A cargo ship is seen crossing through the New Suez Canal, Ismailia, Egypt, July 25, 2015 (Reuters)

Mohab Mameesh, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (2nd R) checks work at the New Suez Canal, Ismailia, Egypt, July 25, 2015 (Reuters)

Security personnel cross through the New Suez Canal, Ismailia, Egypt, July 25, 2015 (Reuters)

Security personnel are seen near a cargo ship crossing through the New Suez Canal, Ismailia, Egypt, July 25, 2015 (Reuters)

A cargo ship is seen crossing through the New Suez Canal, Ismailia, Egypt, July 25, 2015 (Reuters)

The first cargo ships passed through Egypt's New Suez Canal on Saturday in a test-run before it opens next month, 11 months after the army began constructing the $8 billion canal alongside the existing 145-year-old Suez Canal.