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ISMAILIA, Egypt, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, Mohab Mamish, said on Saturday that 65 ships passed through the artificial water passage carrying a record load of 4.3 million tons.

In a press release on Saturday, Mamish said that three of the world largest containers carrying 150,000-200,000 tons have crossed the Suez Canal today, which was impossible to happen in one day before the running of the new branch of the canal.

In August 2015, Egypt opened a new 35 km waterway alongside the original 190 km Suez Canal, plus a 37 km expansion and deepening of some parts of the existing one.

The new artificial waterway, which is part of a larger project to expand Suez port and shipping facilities and build large industrial zones, was designed to raise Egypt's international profile, and build the nation as a major trade hub.