The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

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.”