The south-bound convoy included 37 ships with a total cargo of 2.8 million tons, while the north-bound convoy included 35 ships carrying 2.5 million tons, he added.

Up to 21 giant ships transited the waterway, Rabie said, noting that they carried more than three million tons.

The Suez Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world. The canal is extensively used by modern ships as it is the fastest crossing from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.