In a huge relief for the shipping industry and oil markets in particular, and the global economy in general, the container ship Ever Given was finally re-floated successfully and the Suez Canal was unblocked after six days.

In a press statement, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) as the technical managers of the container ship said that they could “confirm that the vessel was safely re-floated at approximately 1500 local time on 29 March, 2021.”

BSM said that the ship “will now head to the Great Bitter Lake where she will undergo a full inspection.” BSM also allayed other related fears saying, “There have been no reports of pollution or cargo damage and initial investigations rule out any mechanical or engine failure as a cause of the grounding.” It added that “a crew of 25 Indian nationals remain aboard the vessel” and that they “are safe, in good health.”

Ever Given, one of the longest container ships in the world, with an overall length of 399.44 meters or 1,312 feet and 2 inches, ran aground in the Suez Canal on March 23. As the Suez Canal is one of the most important sea passages in the world with goods, including oil, worth billions of dollars being moved through it every day, its blockage sparked fears of increase in oil prices as well as shipping and container rates.

Many ships unsure of how long it would take to dislodge the giant ship, just changed course after multiple attempts to free the Ever Given failed, until efforts of dredging crews finally paid off.   

*Feature Image by Axelspace Corporation via Wikimedia Commons.