- One of two dredgers working to release the Evergreen containership, has nearly completed work to free its bow and attempts to refloat the vessel will begin shortly.
- Nearly 240 vessels are awaiting transit through the Suez Canal as further attempts are made to release the Panama-flagged, 200,000 tonne Evergreen vessel.
- Ever Given was transiting northbound through the Canal en-route from China to Rotterdam when it grounded.
A Bunkerspot news written by Lesley Bankes-Hughes highlights that dredger close to freeing bow of grounded Ever Given.
Ever Given was transiting northbound
- As previously reported, the Ever Given was transiting northbound through the Canal en-route from China to Rotterdam when it grounded.
- At the time of the incident, two canal pilots were onboard the vessel and there was a sandstorm at the waterway, with wind speeds reaching up to 40 knots.
Work is complex and challenging
The vessel is lodged between both banks of the waterway and dredging and deballasting efforts have been underway around the clock in an attempt to refloat the Ever Given.
The work is complex and challenging given stability and structural stress concerns due to the vessel’s position across the waterway.
Nearly 240 vessels are awaiting transit
In Port Said, 89 ships are waiting for a southbound convoy and 41 vessels are now waiting to resume transit in Great Bitter Lakes. At the Suez entrance to the Canal, 107 vessels are awaiting a northbound convoy.
Sherine El Naggar of Naggar Shipping told Bunkerspot that the number of vessels awaiting transit this morning (26 March) has risen to 237.
Naggar also said that eight Suez Canal tugs and two dredgers have worked through the night to free the Ever Given.
In a statement issued today, the Suez Canal Authority thanked all those who had offered assistance, including the US. The Authority noted that it ‘looks forward to cooperating with the US in this regard’.
As vessel traffic remains on hold at the Suez Canal, which handles around 10% of global trade, shipping companies are providing updates on how the situation is affecting their respective fleets.
Hapag Lloyd’s six vessels affected
In a statement issued yesterday, Hapag Lloyd said that six of its vessels were affected. ‘‘We are presently looking into possible vessel diversions around Cape of Good Hope,’’ said the company.
Also providing an update, Maersk said that nine of its containerships and two partner vessels have been directly affected.
While CMA CGM said that two of its vessels are queuing in Suez Canal, waiting to enter the waterway and four more of its group vessels are expected today.
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Source: Bunker Spot
