The first attempt to refloat the 400-metre-long container ship run four days ago in the Suez Canal failed on Friday (26,03,2021), so the crucial route remains blocked and affects freight between Asia and Europe.
The operation “failed”, recognized the maritime company Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), in charge of the technical management of the vessel. The company stated that “two additional tugs of 220 to 240 tonnes” would arrive by March 28 to reinforce the maneuvers.
Ever Given’s “rescue” operation had warned hours earlier that “days or even weeks” could elapse before traffic resumes on the canal through which 10% of international maritime trade passes, according to experts.
View of the gigantic Ever Given run aground in the Suez Canal, Egypt (26.03.2021)
The incident occurred on Tuesday probably due to violent winds combined with a sandstorm.
According to Lloyd’s List, some 200 ships are locked in both limbs and the waiting area in the middle of the canal, causing major delays in deliveries of oil and other products.
Maritime transport giant Maersk and Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd indicated that they were contemplating diverting their ships and passing through the Cape of Good Hope, a journey of an additional 9,000 kilometers and 10 days bordering the African continent.
