Suez canal, one of the busiest waterways in the world is blocked since Tuesday, 22 March 2021, forcing hundreds of ships laden with oil and goods from all over the world is stranded in the canal. However, it is being compared to an enormous whale, causing traffic jam of cargo ships.
The massive ship Ever Given grounded at Suez Canal due to heavy winds and sand storm and not due to mechanical or engine failure.
A Dutch firm, SMIT salvage that deal with saving ships has taken up the responsibility of dislodging the massive ship which stuck in the Suez Canal.
Economic cost
This massive ship Ever Given block in the Suez canal sent ripples throughout the world. As the Suez Canal accounts for 10% of the International Maritime trade. Reportedly, the blockage costs around 9 billion dollars everyday due to this blocked water way.
Congestion in Suez Canal
It is estimated that around 185 vessels, mostly bulk carriers, container ships, and oil or chemical tankers were waiting to cross the canal from Wednesday.
What is being done?
Tug boats are being used to dig around and pull out the clogged part of the ship. Since, the ship is very massive, the process is slow. Subsequently, there is some movement but not that encouraging. Hence, teams of specialist from Netherlands flying in to help the process.
One more thing is that they are making the ship lighter. For this, fuel and cargo is being removed from the ship. Anyways, it is going to be more time consuming as specific equipment is lacking.
Shipping experts say that it is unlikely to clear the blockage in the next 24-48 hours.
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