The magical gateway connecting the world.

The emergence of artificial canals like Suez, Panama, and Kiel is like the magical gateway of Doraemon, breaking geographical boundaries and opening up countless opportunities for global economic, cultural, and political development.

Over the centuries, man-made canals have proven their irreplaceable strategic value, becoming historical witnesses and driving forces of human development.

The Suez Canal, one of the world's most important shipping routes, connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. (Source: Shutterstock)

Suez - The "national" canal

The Suez Canal, an artificial waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, has long played a strategic role in both trade and geopolitics, according to the World Economic Forum. At 193.5 km long, the canal runs through Egyptian territory and separates the African continent from Asia.

Built over a decade and inaugurated on November 17, 1869, the Suez Canal became the shortest shipping route between Europe and the regions surrounding the Indian Ocean. The journey from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean was reduced to just 7,000 km, much shorter than going around the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in significant savings in time and transportation costs.

Beyond its economic significance, the Suez Canal is also considered a symbol of globalization. It is a vital transportation artery, used by more countries than any other in the world, playing a crucial role in shaping global trade and economic dynamics.

According to data from the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Suez Canal today handles approximately 12% of the world's total trade volume, including 7% of global oil. In 2023, a record 23,000 ships passed through, transporting 1.3 billion tons of cargo – an average of 63 ships per day.

However, in July of this year, the Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), Osama Rabie, stated that the annual revenue of Egypt's Suez Canal had decreased by approximately 23.4% in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The number of vessels passing through in this fiscal year also decreased by more than 5,000 compared to the 2022-2023 period, to 20,048 vessels. The reason for this decline is the security challenges in the Red Sea, as the Houthi movement in Yemen has intensified attacks on ships traveling through this region.

This is not the first time the Suez Canal has faced political challenges, even though the 1888 Constantinople Convention declared that the canal must be freely open to all nations in times of peace and war, and prohibited military activities in its waters.

Accordingly, the Suez Canal has been closed twice due to political tensions. The first time was in 1956-1957 after a coalition of British, French, and Israeli forces attacked Egyptian forces in retaliation for Cairo's decision to nationalize the canal. The second was a consequence of the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, when the canal became a battle line and remained closed for eight years.

Controlling the Suez Canal not only provides Egypt with significant revenue but also affirms the importance of this North African nation as a strategic trade and transportation hub.

The Panama Canal is a vital shipping route between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. (Source: Getty Images)

Panama - A Modern Wonder

The Panama Canal, 82 km long, is one of the world's greatest engineering feats, listed as one of the seven modern wonders by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Located in Central America, crossing the Isthmus of Panama and connecting the two great oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific, the Panama Canal is a revolutionary engineering feat, not only in terms of its technical achievements but also in its impact on international trade and strategy.

The construction of this canal was one of the greatest engineering challenges in history, lasting 30 years and spanning two main construction phases with the participation of France and the United States. After overcoming numerous difficulties related to terrain, climate, and disease, the canal was inaugurated in 1914.

The project's success revolutionized global shipping, creating a safer and much shorter shortcut compared to the dangerous route around Cape Horn in South America. As a result, the distance from New York to San Francisco was reduced from 22,500 km to just 9,500 km, increasing shipping efficiency and fostering closer connections between major economic regions such as Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

Currently, the Panama Canal continues to play a crucial role in international trade. According to statistics from the Panama Logistics Information Portal, more than 14,000 ships pass through it annually, transporting over 203 million tons of cargo, equivalent to approximately 6% of global maritime trade. In fiscal year 2024, the Panama Canal recorded a total of 11,240 small and deep-water commercial vessels, transporting 210 million tons of cargo.

Beyond its economic significance, the Panama Canal holds crucial strategic value. For nearly a century, the project was under US control, facilitating the movement of troops and goods between the two shores. This not only strengthened US military power but also enhanced Washington's influence internationally. However, by the end of 1999, the canal was completely transferred to Panama.

Located in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, the Kiel Canal connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea. (Source: Getty Images)

Kiel – The lifeline of Europe

The Kiel Canal, 98 km long and inaugurated in 1895, is one of the busiest man-made waterways in Europe.

Located in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, this canal connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea, playing a crucial role in shortening the journey by approximately 460 km compared to the route through the Kattegat Strait. As a result, ships not only save time and costs but also avoid risks from sea storms and difficulties in transporting goods.

Initially, the Kiel Canal was built to serve the German Navy. It was a strategic route allowing warships to move quickly between the two seas without having to pass through the Kattegat Strait, which was easily controlled by external powers. However, after World War I, the Treaty of Versailles required the canal to be opened to all international ships, although German control remained.

Today, beyond its military purpose, the Kiel Canal has become a vital waterway for Europe.

According to the Geeksforgeeks news portal, approximately 20,000 cruise ships and 40,000 merchant vessels pass through the Kiel Canal each year, transporting between 80 and 100 million tons of goods. This figure confirms Kiel's irreplaceable role in promoting trade in the Nordic region and throughout Europe, as well as linking the continent's economy.

Against the backdrop of climate change and increasing maritime transport demands, Germany has implemented numerous modernization projects for the Kiel Canal. These projects not only enhance transport capacity to meet the needs of modern vessels but also prioritize minimizing environmental impact and protecting the regional ecosystem, reflecting Germany's efforts to maintain the canal's strategic importance while ensuring sustainable development.

prominent inland canals

Besides international canals connecting major seas, there are many important inland canals around the world, most notably the Grand Canal in China and the Erie Canal in the United States.

The Grand Canal, at 1,776 km long, is the longest canal on the planet and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Built in ancient times, this canal connects northern and southern China, fostering economic development and trade within the country.

The Erie Canal, approximately 584 km long, is one of America's most notable hydraulic engineering achievements, connecting the Great Lakes region with New York City. Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal played a crucial role in connecting production areas with major commercial centers, contributing significantly to the development of the American economy in the 19th century, helping to expand markets and boost domestic industries.

The canals around the world, while possessing their own historical, cultural, and economic significance, are all symbols of the aspiration to overcome natural barriers to connect civilizations and promote international trade.

These "magical gateways" not only realize the dream of a borderless world but also affirm the importance of waterway transport in the sustainable development and integration of humanity.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/kenh-dao-nhan-tao-canh-cong-than-ky-ket-noi-the-gioi-295399.html