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Suez Canal 'Remains' Blocked As Owner of Container Ship Apologises

25th March 2021
Owner of the enormous containership, Ever Given (above bulbous bow) wedged across Suez Canal apologises for major disruption to international trade route. The giant ship is causing a traffic jam in one of the world's busiest waterways Owner of the enormous containership, Ever Given (above bulbous bow) wedged across Suez Canal apologises for major disruption to international trade route. The giant ship is causing a traffic jam in one of the world's busiest waterways Credit: BBC World News -twitter

The giant containership owned by a Japanese owner, that has been blocking Egypt's Suez Canal since Tuesday has apologised for the disruption to global trade.

As BBC World News reports, Shoei Kisen Kaisha said it was trying to resolve the situation as soon as possible, but that dislodging the Ever Given was proving extremely difficult.

The 400m-long (1,300ft), 200,000-tonne vessel became wedged across the canal amid high winds and a dust storm.

At least 150 ships are now waiting to pass through the vital maritime route.

About 12% of global trade passes through the Suez canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and provides the shortest sea link between Asia and Europe.

An alternative route, around the Cape of Good Hope on the southern tip of Africa, can take two weeks longer.

The vessel, which is operated by Taiwanese transport company Evergreen Marine but called the Ever Given, is currently wedged diagonally across the waterway.

More here on the blockage and its impact here.

Published in Ports & Shipping
Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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