Ever Given Blocks the Suez Canal (09:19)

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The 120-mile canal links the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, accommodating 18,000 ships annually. In March 2021, the massive container ship Ever Given became lodged across the waterway, blocking it completely; following vessels maneuvered quickly to avoid collision.

Global Container Transport (03:34)

Annually, 2,500 crashes and shipping incidents cause delays and risk lives. Transportation of physical goods depends on intermodal shipping container technology. Since the 1950s, container ships having tripled in length.

Container Ship Backlog (04:52)

On the day of the Ever Given crash, convoy ships anchored before the vessel was assessed and tugboats dispatched. The ship’s bow was embedded in the east bank and excavators dredged the sand away. The disruption impacted international supply chains.

Ever Given Freed from Canal Banks (03:48)

The Suez Canal Authority brought in salvage experts, devising a removal strategy involving tugs. During a high tide they freed the ship from the banks. The crash disrupted trade during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ever Given Crash Causes (08:30)

In January 2016, the Modern Express cargo ship was forced off course and tipped over by strong winds; its 22 crew members were rescued via helicopter. Marine Surveyor Francesco Morelli studies data from the Ever Green crash, believing speed was a main factor in the accident.

El Faro: Preventable Accident (06:05)

The ship sailed directly into a hurricane. Captain Michael Davidson could have taken different routes but was not concerned by the storm; all 33 people aboard perished.

Maritime Incidents (07:35)

The Suez Canal Authority detained the Ever Given until court negotiations regarding payment for salvage operations were made; maritime pilots were navigating the ship during the time of accident. The Cosco Busan crashed into the Bay Bridge after poor communication between the captain and pilot.

Liability and Supply Chain Weaknesses (06:10)

The Ever Given crash resulted from multiple factors; weather conditions, speed, and rudder use. The captain chose not to question the maritime pilot’s decision to increase speed, making him responsible for the incident. Canal Authorities seek to widen routes to prevent future crashes.

Credits: Why Ships Crash (01:11)

Credits: Why Ships Crash