63 ships with a total net tonnage of 3.8 million tons passed through the canal on Thursday, Rabie said in a statement. He added that 67 ships with a total net tonnage of 4.2 million tons are expected to transit through the canal on Friday.

This, Rabei stressed, confirms the SCA’s ability to manage navigation in the canal in the most difficult climatic conditions, citing the authority’s advanced technology and expertise.

He offered assurances that the SCA is ready to deal with any bad weather by proactively taking measures to ensure the safe passage of ships.

The Suez Canal – which connects the Mediterranean and the Red Seas – is the shortest maritime route between Asia and Europe and is the fastest crossing from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.

Around 12 percent of the world’s trade passes through the canal.

Strong winds and sandstorms brought down billboards and ripped out trees on major streets in Cairo on Thursday due to the Khamasin spring phenomenon with hit several parts of the country.