The container ship stranded in Egypt's Suez Canal has finally been 'released'. As a result, there is hope for a resumption of this important commercial waterway in a week.
Reuters reports quoting Suez Canal authorities that the stranded Ever Given ship was unloaded from shore on Monday. As a result, it is now in a state of flux.
Ever Given was hit by strong winds and dust storms as it crossed the Suez Canal on Tuesday morning. The ship lost control due to inclement weather. The 400-meter-long container ship sank across the Suez Canal.
This closed one of the world's most important waterways. The two entrances to the Suez Canal were jammed. More than three hundred ships got stuck. At that time, there was no option but to travel from Europe to the Indian Ocean without visiting the entire continent of Africa.
So the rescue operation started last Wednesday to resume navigation through the Suez Canal, which continues. More than a dozen tugboats were involved in the rescue operation. The good news comes today after about a week.
The Panamanian-flagged ship is leased by Evergreen Marine Corporation of Taiwan. The Maritime Service Firm Inchcap Shipping Services said the stranded ship could be successfully moved around 4.30am local time.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said the ship was partially floated. About 80 percent of the ship's trajectory has been fixed.
The ship's engine has been restarted, Reuters reported, citing sources. The ship will be removed after an initial inspection. Now as soon as the ship is straightened it will start moving on its way. It is expected to be removed by today when the tide comes.
The Suez Canal is very important in world trade. This has greatly reduced the distance between Asia and Europe by sea. As a result, the Suez Canal can be used to transport goods between Asia and Europe at a relatively low cost. The Suez Canal accounts for 12 percent of global trade.
