Status: 04.07.2021 8:20 p.m.
The “Ever Given” had blocked the Suez Canal for days, followed by a dispute between the Egyptian authorities and the shipowner over compensation. Now there is an agreement – the container giant can continue.
The dispute over compensation for the days-long blockade of the Suez Canal by a stuck container ship has been settled. The Egyptian Canal Authority said it would release the Ever Given that had been held since the rescue in March. The signing of the contract and the departure of the freighter are planned as part of a ceremony on Wednesday. The Japanese ship owner Shoei Kisen confirmed the agreement.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA), which sought compensation for the canal blockade and salvage, the shipowner and his insurers did not comment on the details of the agreement. In principle, both sides had already reached an understanding in June. In view of this, the competent Egyptian court had repeatedly postponed dates in the parallel process in order to enable the opposing parties to reach an out-of-court settlement. The agency had lowered its initial claim from $ 916 million to $ 550 million in the course of the dispute.
Global trade disturbed for a long time
The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea and is one of the most important waterways in the world. It saves shipping between the North Atlantic and Indian Oceans having to travel around Africa.
The “Ever Given” ran aground on March 23rd in strong winds, tilted itself and blocked the canal for six days. Hundreds of ships could not pass the waterway, which severely disrupted global trade. The huge container ship was uncovered on March 29th. It has since been held in a lake between two canal sections.