Congestion and delays are likely at European ports as the flow of ships in the Suez Canal resumes following the refloating of the stuck ''Ever Given'' vessel.
Speaking exclusively to Port Strategy, the Port of Rotterdam, where the 20,000 TEU Evergreen-operated Ever Given container ship was headed before it got stuck on the Suez Canal, said there’s a high possibility for Rotterdam and other European ports to see disruption if delayed ships continue to their destination.
“It’s likely ships will have to wait longer,” said Leon Willems, spokesperson for the Port of Rotterdam.
“Ports all have quay and crane capacity limits, so all incoming vessels have to be handled by that capacity. That’s not just true for Rotterdam, it’s true for any port. If demand for handling increases due to a spike in vessels wanting to call at the port, they will have to wait longer than normal.”
He added it is too early to forecast what the financial impact will be.
Clearance ahead
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced the Ever Given was successfully refloated on 29 March, six days after getting stuck.
It said this was the result of successful push and tow manoeuvres which led to the restoration of 80% of the vessel’s direction; with the stern 102m away from the Canal bank instead of 4 m prior to the refloating. Manoeuvres were resumed during high tide to position the vessel in the middle of the navigable waterway.
The vessel is leaving the grounding site with assistance of tugboats so the Canal can resume normal operations, said Evergreen.
“The chartered vessel will be repositioned to the Great Bitter Lake in the Canal for an inspection of its seaworthiness,” explained Evergreen. “The outcome of that inspection will determine whether the ship can resume its scheduled service. Once the inspection is finalized, decisions will be made regarding arrangements for cargo currently on board.”
Japan-based shipowner Shoei Kisen Kaisha (SKK) and other parties will complete investigation reports into the incident. Evergreen will then coordinate with SKK regarding subsequent matters
