The successful maneuver that unlocked the Ever Given freighter from the Suez Canal in late March was celebrated worldwide. But the story is not over concerning the blockade of one of the most important trade routes in the world. That’s because Egypt has decided that it will not release the ship until a US$ 1 billion (R$ 5.7 billion) fine is paid as compensation for the damage generated during the week the ship was stuck. The nearly 400-meter freighter is currently anchored in Grande Lago Amargo, a salty lake located between the southern and northern ends of the Suez Canal. According to Osama Rabie, president of the Suez Canal Authority (ACS), the ship will remain there until an investigation is completed and compensation is paid. Regarding the amount of compensation, Rabie said in early April that “we will calculate the damages and losses and how much the dredging machines cost. The estimate will reach US$ 1 billion or maybe a little more. Shoei Kisen, a Japanese company that owns the Ever Given, said he had not yet received any official complaints or legal action for the blockade caused by the vessel but acknowledged that he was in “negotiations” with the channel’s authority.
Source: BBC/Datamar News