China News Service, April 1 reported that Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Administration, revealed that on March 31, 81 ships sailed through the canal smoothly in both directions.
He said that the operator will work day and night to deal with the chain backlog caused by congestion.
On the other hand, the stranded freighter is being inspected, and the investigation into the stranded accident has officially begun.
In an interview with a local television station in Egypt, Rabia said that the loss and damage caused by the blockage of the shipping channel by the freighter may be as high as 1 billion US dollars.
"Damage and loss, as well as the cost of the dredger, will be calculated. It is estimated to be a little over US$1 billion," he said.
On the other hand, officials said on March 31 that divers investigated the container ship they are currently anchored in the Great Bitter Lake and found some damage to the bow, but it was not enough to affect the use of the ship.
Sayed Sheasha, the chief investigator of the accident, said the investigation will include checking the seaworthiness of the ship and the actions taken by its captain to determine the cause of the accident.
Rabie said that until the end of the investigation, the freighter will remain in the lake area and there is no clear timetable for the investigation.
In addition, Egyptian President Sisi inspected the resumption of the Suez Canal, during which he promised to make relevant investments to avoid the closure of the canal again.
On March 23, a heavy freighter flying the Panamanian flag ran aground on the new channel of the Suez Canal, causing congestion in the channel.
After several consecutive days of rescue, the stranded freighter successfully lifted off on the 29th.
The Canal Authority said at a press conference on the 30th that it will work hard to solve the congestion problem.