The giant container vessel blocking the Suez Canal has been at least partly freed, according to people with direct knowledge of the situation, the first step toward getting one of the world’s most important trade arteries moving again.
Ever Given’s bow has been partially moved and the operation to free it completely is continuing, said the people, asking not to be identified given they’re not authorized to speak to media. The comments come after maritime services provider Inchcape Shipping Services said in an email that the vessel had been refloated at about 4:30 a.m. local time in Egypt and was being secured.
Taiwan-based Evergreen Line, the time charterer of the vessel, wasn’t immediately able to comment. The Suez Canal Authority didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. A total of 10 tug boats were taking part in the dawn rescue effort, the authority said earlier in a statement.