ContainersEuropeMiddle EastOperations

10,000-teu Maersk boxship grounding sparks delays along the Suez Canal

Traffic backed up on the Suez Canal yesterday as the 9,971-teu Maersk Shams ran aground at the 133-km mark of the waterway. The ship was part of 33-vessel southbound convoy.

After six hours, tugs managed to refloat the giant vessel at 21.00 hrs last night. It was brought to anchor on Suez anchorage at around midnight. There has been no report yet on any damage to the ship.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
Back to top button