Over 216 million cubic meters of water-saturated sand have been removed so far as part of the Suez Canal Development Project, said Head of the Suez Canal Authority Mohab Mamish.

This represents about 84 percent of a total 250 million cubic meters that should be dredged as part of the project, he added.

Thirty-eight dredgers are working in the project, said Wagdi Zaki, the executive director supervising the dredging process, in statements on Thursday.

The project aims at expanding the Suez Canal region's role as a global, industrial, and logistics center that is environmentally balanced with an integrated economy.

It is also projected to become a global hub due to its logistics and industrial services.