The Suez Canal has been unblocked after the Ever Given was fully refloated on 29 March 2021, according to the Egyptian government.
The mega-ship ran aground on 23 March as it travelled along the Suez Canal, one of the globes main trade arteries.
In an online update, the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) had succeeded in “ending the crisis, despite the tremendous technical complexity”.
Additionally, he said the world “can be assured” world trade will resume and that the Suez Canal will once return to being a vital waterway for goods.
“Today, Egyptians have succeeded in ending the crisis of the delinquent ship in the Suez Canal despite the tremendous technical complexity that surrounded this process from every side,” he tweeted.
“By restoring matters to their normal course, with Egyptian hands, the whole world will be assured of the path of its goods and needs that are passed by this axial navigational artery.”
Carrier Evergreen Line released a statement confirming the Ever Given was successfully refloated at 15:00 29 March local time.
The vessel will be repositioned to the Great Bitter Lake in the Canal for an inspection of its seaworthiness, the statement said.
“The outcome of that inspection will determine whether the ship can resume its scheduled service. Once the inspection is finalised, decisions will be made regarding arrangements for cargo currently on board.”
Evergreen will coordinate with the shipowner to deal with subsequent matters after the shipowner and other concerned parties complete investigation reports into the incident.
