Ever Given saga: SCA controlled ship’s speed say insurers
In the latest twist in the Ever Given saga, the ULCS’ insurers say the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) had control of her speed before she ran aground.
The insurers of the Ever Given, UK Club, have said that the vessel’s speed was being controlled by SCA pilots when she went aground in March, blocking the canal for six days.
UK Club said: “It is important to clarify that whilst the master is ultimately responsible for the vessel, navigation in the Canal transit within a convoy is controlled by the Suez Canal pilots and SCA vessel traffic management services,” it said.
“Such controls include the speed of the transit and the availability of escort tugs.”
The statement comes soon after the SCA said the ship was sailing too fast just before she grounded and that the SCA bears no responsibility.
The SCA’s chairman Osama Rabie told Reuters last week that the Ever Given was transiting the canal at 25kph and not the stipulated 8-9kph, that the vessel’s rudder was not aligned, and that she could have chosen not to enter the canal.
Legal wrangles over the SCA’s $550 compensation claim continue.
