Two tanker vessels ran aground in the Suez Canal yesterday, 06 April 2021, according to information from Gulf Agency Co (GAC) Egypt. They say that one has been successfully re-floated while work is continuing to re-float the second.Â
The ships were part of a northbound convoy which comprised a total of 22 vessels. The 15 vessels in front of the grounded ships were not affected, but those were detained, at 130 km in the Canal.
The ships are believed to be Italy-flagged Rumford and Greek-flagged Minerva Nike. Data from Marine Traffic shows that Rumford remains stopped in the canal, while Minerva Nike is underway using the engine. The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has confirmed that Rumford was faced with a sudden engine failure while crossing the canal. SCA tugs were engaged immediately.
UPDATE – 14.30 HOURS LOCAL TIME:
As per updated information, both ballast tankers have now been re-floated and resumed their Canal transit, along with all other vessels and the Canal is now reported to be clear. The question remains as to the cause of these further incidences.
The event is being reported on the back of one of the most serious blockages of the canal caused by the giant containership Ever Given, which was wedged sideways in the waterway for six days.
Ongoing Effects of the Evergreen Blockage
Maersk has issued a statement which includes this brief extract:
“We still foresee limitations of both space and equipment in the weeks to come, so please continue to prioritize the most urgent/critical goods to be shipped first. We want to advise our customers that shipments not directly impacted by the Suez blockage might also be affected as we adjust our network to avoid port congestions and to limit the overall net loss of ocean network capacity due to omitted ports as a result of redirecting 12 vessels.â€
The CMA CGM Group has also issued a statement saying it is glad to inform its customers that Suez Canal transit improves, “we continue doing our utmost to minimize the impact on vessel schedules and your supply chain. Equipment release has now resumed for almost all our vessels previously on hold.â€
As a licensed Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder, Colless Young offers correct, professional advice on all your import and export requirements. Based in Brisbane, we provide a complete range of logistics services, both air and sea cargo, through all Australian ports and airports. We handle customs clearance, shipping, trucking, warehousing and fumigation.
