The Suez Canal has been closed for transit since 23 March due to a blockage by the container ship MV Ever Given. All major container carriers have been impacted by this incident, which has temporarily disabled one of the most important arteries in global trade.
As a frequent user of the canal, MSC continues to monitor the situation very closely for updates in case any fleet or service network contingency plans would be required and to see how container circulation may be affected in an already challenging market.
MSC customers with cargo that was due for transit via Suez since 23 March should be prepared for potential schedule changes and we will communicate with customers as the situation evolves.
As at 1800hrs CET, 25 March, MSC understands that the MV Ever Given is still stuck. The following vessels with MSC customers' cargo onboard are in the local area (MSC fleet in bold; list subject to change).
Vessels anchored at the Great Bitter Lake during transit on 23 March:
- MSC ROMA (southbound) – NWC to IPAK service, voyage IP109A
- MAERSK ESMERALDAS (southbound) – 2M Shogun service, voyage 107E
- MAERSK SAIGON (southbound) – 2M Elephant service, voyage 107E
- GUNDE MAERSK (southbound) – 2M Empire service, voyage 108W
Vessels supposed to transit on 24 March:
- SEAMAX GREENWICH (southbound) – Australia Express service, voyage MA108A
- MAERSK HANOI (southbound) – 2M Phoenix service, voyage 109E
- SEAMAX NORWALK (southbound) – Himalaya Express service, voyage IS109A
Vessels supposed to transit on 25 March:
- GEORG MAERSK (southbound) – 2M Lion service, voyage 106E
- MSC GIULIA (southbound) – Indus Express service, voyage IU107R
- MSC ERICA (northbound) – 2M Shogun service, voyage QH108W
- CONTI EVEREST (northbound) – Australia Express service, voyage MA107R
- MSC RIFAYA (northbound) – 2M Albatross service, voyage FB108W
MSC will update you in due course about further developments. Please contact your local MSC representatives in our global network of more than 500 offices should you have any questions.