Trial run for second Suez Canal The first cargo ships have passed through Egypt's second Suez Canal, amid tight security, ahead of the new waterway's official opening next month.Construction on the new lane, which runs alongside part of the existing canal, started less than a year ago.The 72km (44 mile) route allows two-way traffic and can accommodate larger vessels.Several container ships from around the world successfully navigated it on Saturday as part of a Trial run.