Suez demonstrates importance of shipping

(Posted on 28/03/21)

As efforts to refloat the Ever Given continue, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has released a statement on the ongoing blockage of the Suez Canal by the giant container ship, noting that the incident lays bare the fragility of global supply chains.

Guy Platten, secretary general of the ICS, said: “This kind of incident is rare, and it is a relief to see that no crew were injured and there has been no pollution. We hope that the Ever Given will be re-floated soon so that trade can resume through this vital waterway, and I know huge efforts are underway to achieve this. The world relies on the shipping sector to keep all of us supplied and the incident in the Suez Canal has shone a spotlight on the delicate nature of these global supply chains.

“The literal ‘pinch point’ of Suez is a prime example of how an unexpected incident can disrupt the finely balanced system that we all rely on.”

“The majority of trade between Asia and Europe still relies on the Suez Canal, and given that vital goods including vital medical equipment and PPE, are moving via these ships we call on the Egyptian authorities do all they can to reopen the canal as soon as possible.”

An estimated 12% of global trade passes through the Suez Canal, comprising more than one billion tonnes of goods each year.

Guy Platten continued: “Not only will the goods aboard the Ever Given be severely delayed on their journey, but the hundreds of other ships are also affected. The damage done to the global supply chain will be significant.”

“This also speaks to a deeper problem. The governments and markets are sitting up and paying attention to this issue as we can clearly see an economic fallout from the delay to goods the blockage will cause. But shipping’s ongoing crew change crisis has been largely still invisible to wider public. Crew are still working hard around the globe to keep global trade moving, despite 200,000 seafarers being impacted by overly harsh restrictions which stop them boarding or disembarking ships.”

“We hope this incident will remind governments of the vital role that seafarers and shipping plays in keeping the world supplied. Seafarers must not be forgotten as soon as this incident is over.”

Latest News

NORDEN signs two-year contract with US wood pellet producer

NORDEN has signed a two-year Contract of Affreightment (COA) with Enviva to transport a significant... Read more

Algoma reports strong core results and continued fleet growth

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended 30 September... Read more

Damen unveils Combi Freighter 5000 ICE

Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled the latest platform in its successful cargo vessels portfolio. The... Read more

Wallem Group reaches a century in Hong Kong

Wallem Group, a leading global maritime partner, is celebrating the centenary of moving its headquarters... Read more

INTERCARGO celebrates record membership ahead of 45th Anniversary

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is marking its 45th anniversary in... Read more

NORDEN reports net profit of US$26m in Q3 2025

Net profit for the Group amounted to USD 26 million (DKK 166 million) in the third quarter of 2025,... Read more

ClassNK releases 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)'

ClassNK has released 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)' first in... Read more

InterManager urges Seafarer participation in Enclosed-Space Safety Survey

Following the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) newly tightened rules on enclosed... Read more

DNV: Nuclear propulsion is viable solution for maritime decarbonisation

According to a new paper by DNV, shifting environmental requirements are reigniting interest in nuclear... Read more

MoU on cooperation Between Zhejiang Seaport and Columbia

Zhejiang Seaport Group and Columbia Group Limited have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of... Read more