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The Asia-Europe supply chain has reached its limit, and the blockage of the Suez Canal happened at a particularly bad time
- 2021-03-25 12:58:03
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More than 20 oil tankers trapped in the Suez Canal, Evergreen freighter rescue may still take several daysThe Financial Associated Press (Shanghai Editor Liu Rui), from March 23, the freighter "Chang Ci" (English name: "EVER GIVEN") from Taiwan's Evergreen Group ran aground on the Suez Canal, which has caused two-way traffic on the Suez Canal. Blocked, and more freighters are still gathering in that direction. As the ship is a very large freighter, the rescue operation is progressing slowly. Local officials said that the rescue may take two days to a week.Shipping sources said that hundreds of ships carrying various cargoes such as oil or consumer goods have been delayed, of which more than 20 tankers have been delayed. If the river is blocked for more than 24 hours, the freighter may have to divert the route around Africa, which means that the sailing time will be extended by one week.Dozens of oil tankers have been affectedUp to now, rescue work is underway. According to foreign media reports, the 400-meter-high, 224,000-ton freighter lost its ability to drive in strong winds and sandstorms and ran aground on the morning of the 23rd local time.As of about 6:30 pm EST, Bernhard Schulte, the ship’s technical manager, said that the ship was still running aground and work to re-float was in progress. At present, the dredger is cleaning the sand and mud around the hull to make the ship float again, and the tug and winch are working hard to transfer the ship.Bernhard Schulte also added that the 25 crew members on the ship had no casualties and the cargo was not damaged. At present, the preliminary investigation has ruled out the cause of engine failure or mechanical failure.The Suez Canal is one of the most important throats in the world and the fastest sea passage between Asia and Europe. This channel accounts for about 30% of the global container ship traffic every day.Leth Agencies, a ship transport service provider on the Suez Canal, said there are currently 150 ships trapped at both ends of the canal, of which 71 are trying to head north, while the other 79 are located between the Great Bitter Lake and Port Said. Waiting to drive south.Kpler, a shipping intelligence company, said that more than 20 tankers carrying crude oil and refined products have been affected by the interruption of the canal. In addition, as of Wednesday local time, seven LNG carriers were trapped. These delays may have a knock-on effect on international crude oil and natural gas prices.The next 24 hours are criticalA senior official of the Suez Canal Authority revealed that it is technically "very complicated" to re-float the large container ship and it may take several days.The official said: "If the method is not correct, it may take a week, if the method is correct, it may only take two days. But if the (initial) rescue method is correct, then the crisis could have ended yesterday."The official also revealed that due to the damage to the hull, the "Changci" is now unlikely to continue sailing, and may need to be towed to the nearest anchor point, which is about 30 kilometers to the north in the Great Bitter Lake area.Nick Sloane, the captain of the rescue ship, who has participated in hundreds of rescue operations of ships and aircraft, believes that the high tide this Sunday and Monday will increase the depth of the water by 18 inches (46 cm), which may be the most promising at that time. Time for the ship to re-float.Suez Canal tide timetableSources in the shipping industry said that if the delay is too long, the ship may choose to circumvent Africa, which means that the sailing time may be extended by one week.Chris Evans, an international supply chain expert at Colliers, said: "The next 24 hours will be a critical moment for determining long-term impact. If there is a major delay, bypassing the Cape of Good Hope is likely to be another. The way forward."In recent months, with the gradual control of the new crown epidemic and the rebound in demand for retail consumer goods and crude oil squeeze, global container routes have become increasingly busy and material supplies have become increasingly tight. The Suez Canal accident at this time has further bottlenecked logistics.Greg Knowler of IHS Markit's "Business Magazine" said: "The Asia-Europe supply chain has reached its limit, and the blockage of the Suez Canal happened at a particularly bad time."
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