Suez canal: The Suez Canal Authority announced the passage of the giant container ship CMA CGM Grand Palais during its maiden transit through the canal. The vessel, operated by CMA CGM, is among the largest container ships powered by liquefied natural gas. It joined the southbound convoy after crossing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, sailing from Singapore toward Malta.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the ship measures about 400 meters in length and 61 meters in width, with a capacity of 23,876 TEUs and a total tonnage of around 240,000 tons. It operates on a route linking ports in the Far East with the Mediterranean. Adm. Osama Rabie, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, said that the transit confirms the canal's readiness to accommodate modern large vessels and its role as a major global shipping route that shortens travel distance and reduces fuel consumption.

The ship's captain said that recent upgrades to the waterway have improved navigation conditions and safety for large vessels, praising the experience of the canal's pilots.