Egypt has filed a multi-million euro compensation claim against the owner of a container ship that has blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week. Ever Given, owned by the Japanese company Shoei Kisen, got stuck in the Suez Canal on March 23 and was released six days later by a specialized rescue team.
The canal is the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia to date. Because of this mistake, about 400 ships were waiting in line, including container ships, bulk carriers and oil tankers. They had given up more waiting and were redirected to Africa, SkyNews reported.
Ever Given’s protection and indemnity insurer, UK Club, said several lawsuits had been received and one had been filed by Egypt for 766.3m euros.
About a third of it is for an “unlocking fee” and another third for a “loss of reputation,” the insurer said. The owners and their insurers are negotiating in good faith with the Suez Canal administration about the amount of the claim.
