The Ever Given: IMO makes statement

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Kitack Lim, has released a statement on the grounded ULCS Ever Given and the disruption it is causing to traffic waiting to transit the Suez Canal.

The container ship ran hard aground in the canal on 23rd March and the IMO says it has been closely monitoring the situation and the efforts to re-float the huge vessel.

Mr Lim said: “I offer my encouragement  to the Egyptian Authorities, as well as the salvors, tug and dredger operators and all other parties, who are working tirelessly to safely re-float the ship and resume transit through one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes as soon as possible. I appreciate the efforts of every individual involved.”

He continued: “I am aware of the implications of the temporary closure of the canal, and I ask for patience from stakeholders across the supply chain as everyone works to ensure that the ship, its crew, its cargo and the environment remain protected. 

“I look forward to receiving information from the investigation into the incident so that IMO can act on any appropriate recommendations derived from the findings.” 

The canal remains closed and some lines are beginning to re-route their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.