Maersk Sues Evergreen for Disruption Caused by Suez Canal Blockage

Maersk, the Danish shipping company, has filed a lawsuit against rival Evergreen over the disruptions caused by the infamous grounding of Ever Given in the Suez Canal two years ago. The incident occurred on March 23, 2021, when the ship went aground in the canal, blocking the waterway to marine traffic due to its excessive length.

The ship was refloated on March 29, after a complex salvage operation involving hundreds of people, shore-based equipment, cutter suction dredgers, and tugs.

During the incident, up to 400 ships had their voyages disrupted by the canal’s shutdown, resulting in delays for cargoes bound for ports in Europe, the U.S. East Coast, and beyond. Among the affected vessels were 50 Maersk box ships, according to the Danish outlet ShippingWatch.

Maersk is reportedly seeking damages of $43 million from Evergreen, shipowner Shoei Kisen Kaisha, and technical manager Bernhard Schulte for the disruption caused by the grounding. The total claims related to the incident could amount to $2 billion, as per French insurer Scor SE, and the cost will be borne primarily by the reinsurance sector.

The Suez Canal Authority had already sued Evergreen for $900 million, but it is believed to have settled for a lower amount. Maersk’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal actions connected to the incident