Partial Re-floating of the Ever Given in the Suez Canal

On March 26, 2021, efforts to free the container ship Ever Given, which had become lodged in the Suez Canal, saw a significant breakthrough when the ship was partially re-floated. The Ever Given, one of the largest container ships in the world at approximately 400 meters in length, had drifted off course and become horizontally stranded across the canal on March 23, 2021, effectively blocking the critical trade route.

Context and Impact

The blockage had a profound impact on global trade, as the Suez Canal is one of the world’s busiest maritime passages, facilitating roughly 12% of global trade. Each day the canal was blocked, it disrupted billions of dollars in global commerce and caused delays in shipping schedules.

Efforts and Challenges

Efforts to re-float the ship involved a combination of dredging, tugging, and loosening rock around the canal’s banks. The ship’s massive size and the soft ground of the canal’s floor presented significant challenges to rescue operations. Experts and teams, including dredging vessels and tugboats, worked tirelessly around the clock to dislodge the massive vessel.

Partial Success on March 26

By March 26, rescue teams achieved partial success. While the Ever Given was not fully freed, efforts led to some movement of the ship, allowing for a more strategic positioning, which was a significant development compared to previous days. This partial re-floating was largely attributed to the removal of significant amounts of sand and silt, coupled with high tide conditions that aided in shifting the vessel.

Looking Forward

The partial re-floating was an important step towards fully freeing the Ever Given and reopening the Suez Canal to maritime traffic. Following these efforts, teams remained focused on completely dislodging the ship to restore navigation through the canal. The incident prompted discussions on canal security, future traffic management, and the potential need for canal expansion or alternative routes.