The Global Times reported on the 27th, according to reports from Japan’s Jiji News Agency and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The shipowner has apologized for the accident affecting global trade.

The owner and owner of the ship, Masei Steamship Co., Ltd. (from Ehime Prefecture, Japan) stated that they are trying to solve this problem as soon as possible, but it turns out that it is very difficult to move the huge ship out.

　　"Zhengrong Steamship" said in a statement on Thursday: "We are cooperating with local authorities and the Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement company (Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement) to try to make the "Long Ci" float, but we are facing extremes. Great difficulties. We sincerely apologize for the great concerns that have been caused to ships and related parties that are sailing on the Suez Canal and planning to pass through the canal."

　　The 400-meter-long ship with a displacement of 200,000 tons lost its maneuverability in strong winds and sand and dust. It "stuck" in the Suez Canal in Egypt on the 23rd local time, causing serious blockage of the river.

There are long queues of freighters on the waterway, and a large number of ships are waiting to pass.

　　Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine, which operates the ship, said that salvage experts are working with the captain and the Suez Canal Authority to design a more effective pontoon plan.

　　Industry sources told Reuters that even if the ship resumes sailing soon, its owners and insurance companies will still face a total of millions of dollars in claims due to the delays and additional costs caused by the accident to other companies.

　　The CEO of Schulte Ship Management has warned that it may take weeks instead of days to re-float the ship.

He pointed out: "It's like a huge stranded whale."

　　Peter Sand, chief shipping analyst at the Baltic International Shipping Union (BIMCO), told the BBC that the delayed ships were not only container ships, but also oil and gas tankers and bulk carriers that transport grain.

He warned: "We may soon see a production line shutdown in Europe."

　　In addition, according to the US Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) reported on March 25, the world’s largest classification society, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, estimated that after the Suez Canal "blocked", the loss to world trade reached an hourly rate. 400 million US dollars (approximately RMB 2.618 billion).

Global Times