Updated March 23, 2024 at 12:40 p.m.
On this day in 2021, a large container ship called the Ever Given ran aground in the Suez Canal, obstructing the waterway and causing a major traffic jam of ships waiting to pass through. The obstruction lasted for six days.
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What caused the Ever Given to run aground?
The cause of the Ever Given running aground is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been caused by strong winds and a sandstorm that reduced visibility and caused the ship to veer off course.
What was the impact of the obstruction in the Suez Canal on global trade?
The obstruction of the Suez Canal had a significant impact on global trade, as the waterway is a key shipping route for goods traveling between Asia and Europe. An estimated 12% of global trade passes through the canal, and the obstruction caused significant delays and disruptions to supply chains.