Ever Given, the Panamanian giant container ship that has been blocking traffic in the Suez Canal for nearly a week has been successfully refloated, Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman and Managing Director Admiral Osama Rabie announced on March 29.
This was the result of successful push and tow maneuvers which led to the restoration of 80% of the vessel’s direction; with the stern 102 meters away from the bank of the Canal now instead of 4 meters prior to the refloating, the Suez Canal Authority said on its website.
“Maneuvers are set to be resumed once more during high tide at 11:30 a.m.; as it shall reach 2 meters, allowing for the full restoration of the vessel’s direction so it is positioned in the middle of the navigable waterway.
“His Excellency, Admiral Rabie, would like to reassure the international navigation society as navigation shall be resumed immediately upon the complete restoration of the vessel’s direction and directing it to the Bitter Lakes waiting area for technical inspection,” the SCA said, adding, “His Excellency has also commended the efforts of the SCA workers who achieved this heroic feat saying that they have done their patriotic duty impeccably and that in all certainty work will be complete very soon”.
Rabie said on March 27 the bloackage was costing the Suez Canal $14 million -$15 million for each day of the blockage, BBC reported, noting that, according to Moody’s, prior to the pandemic, trade passing through the Suez Canal contributed to 2% of Egypt’s GDP. According to Reuters, the passage accounts for approximately 30% of container ship traffic globally each day.
