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Suez Canal blockage could see goods being shipped to Hong Kong delayed by at least three weeks, industry figures warn
- The 200,000 tonnes Ever Given ran aground on Tuesday blocking the link between Asia and Europe
- An estimated US$400 million per hour in trade is being held up by the ship
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Goods being shipped in and out of Hong Kong were likely to be delayed by at least three weeks and could potentially cost more as a result of the blockage at the Suez Canal, industry figures warned on Friday.
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The 200,000-tonne container ship Ever Given, which is operated by Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine, was stranded at the southern end of the canal on Tuesday, and Willy Lin Sun-mo, chairman of the Hong Kong Shippers’ Council, said that had taken a heavy toll on the global supply chain.
Trade experts also warned of the prospect of higher container shipment charges as a result, disrupting a global shipping system already strained by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Expect delays in shipment by a minimum of three weeks,” Lin said.
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Giant cargo ship causes marine traffic jam by blocking Egypt’s Suez Canal
Giant cargo ship causes marine traffic jam by blocking Egypt’s Suez Canal
The 400-metre Ever Given, which would dwarf the 320-metre Eiffel Tower if they were laid side by side, was carrying 20,000 containers when it ran aground.
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