The Suez Canal Authority: less Israeli flagged ships crossed the canal in 2011

In 2011 the Israeli vessels carried 15,000 tons compared to 166,000 tons in 2010.
 
Data released last week by the Suez Canal Authority noted that the Authority registered a drop of 53.3% in number of Israeli flagged ship compared to 2010.
 
According to the Authority's report only 7 Israeli ships crossed the canal last year compared to 15 vessels in 2010. The report noted that there was also a sharp drop of 91% in cargo carried by the Israeli vessels. In 2011 the Israeli vessels carried 15,000 tons compared to 166,000 tons in 2010.
 
An Egyptian source commenting on the number of Israeli vessels noted that due to the security situation following the revolution, Israelis preferred foreign flagged vessels to cross the canal rather than Israeli vessels.
 
The Egyptian source noted that the Egyptian government has adopted the Constantinople Convention of the Suez Canal (signed on the 29th day of the month of October, in the year 1888.) holding that the Suez Maritime Canal shall always be free and open to every vessel of commerce without distinction of flag. The government will not interfere with the free use of the Canal.