Ever Given Suez Canal Incident: $200 Million Settlement and Journey to Rotterdam
Written on July 14, 2025
by Adrian Stan
In the following categories: News
After months of negotiations following one of the most infamous maritime events in modern history, the Ever Given—the massive container ship that blocked the Suez Canal—has finally been released. The vessel’s operator, Evergreen Marine Corp., reached a final settlement of $200 million with the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), significantly less than the original $916 million demand.
⚓ The Settlement and Release
After being detained for more than three months, the Ever Given was freed from Egyptian waters and resumed its voyage on Monday morning, departing from Port Said and heading toward Rotterdam, its intended destination.
The ship was held by the SCA after the March 2021 grounding, which halted global trade for nearly a week and delayed billions of dollars in goods. The final settlement followed intense negotiations involving insurers, shipowners, and Egyptian authorities. Evergreen’s $200 million payment covered compensation for damages, salvage operations, and disruption losses.
🚢 A Delayed but Historic Journey
The Ever Given will arrive in Rotterdam approximately 110 days later than originally scheduled, carrying more than 18,000 containers—nearly 20,388 TEU in total. Operated by Evergreen and part of the Ocean Alliance, the vessel’s journey through the Mediterranean marks the end of one of the most closely followed shipping sagas in decades.
Currently, the Ever Given is passing through international waters near Greece en route to the Netherlands. You can track the Ever Given’s live location here on MarineTraffic.com.
🌍 The Global Impact of the Suez Canal Blockage
The Ever Given Suez Canal incident remains one of the most disruptive events in global trade history. The six-day blockage halted nearly $9 billion worth of goods daily, causing ripple effects in shipping schedules, freight rates, and supply chains worldwide.
Analysts estimate that the event set back global logistics by several months, prompting companies to rethink maritime routes and emergency contingency plans. It also reignited discussions on the vulnerabilities of global trade infrastructure and the dependence on key shipping chokepoints like the Suez Canal.
🧭 Key Facts About Ever Given
- Operator: Evergreen Marine Corp.
- Built: 2018
- Length: 1,312 ft (400 m)
- Width: 193 ft (59 m)
- Capacity: 20,388 TEU
- Incident: March 23–29, 2021
- Settlement: $200 million
- Route: From Port Said to Rotterdam
⚙️ Lessons for the Shipping Industry
The Ever Given Suez Canal incident emphasized the importance of digital tracking, logistics flexibility, and insurance preparedness. Shipping companies are now adopting better risk management strategies, including AI-assisted routing, real-time cargo visibility, and enhanced canal navigation training.
🛳️ Looking Ahead
As of today, the Ever Given is sailing smoothly through the Mediterranean, with expectations to reach Rotterdam within nine days. Let’s hope this voyage concludes without any more surprises. Godspeed to the crew and vessel!
For more maritime news, logistics insights, and container updates, visit YES Containers Blog.
