Atlanta, United States (CNN) – The International Chamber of Shipping, in a statement to CNN, said that shipping delays caused by the blockage of the Suez Canal have caused “significant” damage to the global supply chain.
“Not only will cargo aboard the Evergiven be severely delayed in its voyage, but hundreds of other ships will also be affected,” said Jay Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, adding that “the damage to the global supply chain will be significant.”
The International Chamber of Shipping estimates that 12% of world trade volume passes through the Suez Canal.
18,829 vessels with a net tonnage of 1.17 billion tons passed through the canal during 2020, with an average number of 51.5 vessels passing per day.
Platten noted, “The majority of trade between Asia and Europe still depends on the Suez Canal, and given that vital commodities, including vital medical equipment and personal protective equipment, move through these ships, we call on the Egyptian authorities to do everything in their power to reopen the canal.” At the earliest”.
Platten added that governments and markets alike are paying close attention to the economic fallout.
Ships that decided to divert their voyage around Cape Horn to avoid a Suez Canal blockage face an additional 3,800 miles and 12 additional days of sailing, according to the International Chamber of Shipping.
