Why Does the Suez Canal Keep Getting Blocked and What is the Reason?
The Suez Canal is one of the most vital waterways in global trade, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and allowing vessels to bypass the long and costly journey around Africa.
However, throughout its history, the canal has faced multiple blockages, causing significant disruptions to international shipping. From geopolitical conflicts to accidental groundings, various factors have contributed to these incidents.
This article explores the key reasons behind Suez Canal blockages, their impact on global trade, and what measures are being taken to prevent future disruptions.
What is the Suez Canal?
The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing ships to travel between Europe and Asia without having to navigate around Africa.
It is one of the world’s most crucial maritime routes, significantly reducing travel time and fuel consumption for international shipping.
Location and Coordinates
| Feature | Details |
| Coordinates | 30°42′18″N 32°20′39″E |
| Start Point | Port Said, Egypt (Mediterranean Sea) |
| End Point | Suez Port, Egypt (Red Sea) |
Specifications
| Feature | Measurement |
| Length | 193.3 km (120.1 miles) |
| Maximum Width (Beam) | 77.5 m (254 ft 3 in) |
| Maximum Depth (Draft) | 20.1 m (66 ft) |
| Locks | None (sea-level canal) |
| Navigation Authority | Suez Canal Authority (SCA) |
Construction and History
| Feature | Details |
| Construction Began | 25 April 1859 |
| Completion Date | 17 November 1869 |
| Total Construction Duration | 10 years |
| Engineered by | Ferdinand de Lesseps (French engineer) |
The Suez Canal remains a strategic maritime passage, handling around 12% of global trade and playing a vital role in international shipping and commerce.
Strategic and Economic Importance
- The Suez Canal is one of the busiest maritime routes in the world, handling around 12% of global trade.
- It provides the shortest route between Europe and Asia, reducing voyage distances by approximately 7,000 kilometres.
- Major commodities transported include oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), raw materials, and consumer goods.
- Egypt earns billions of dollars annually in revenue from tolls paid by ships passing through the canal.
Modern Developments
- In 2015, Egypt completed a major expansion project, deepening and widening parts of the canal to accommodate larger vessels and increase traffic capacity.
- The canal remains a critical geopolitical asset, frequently influencing global trade, politics, and economic stability.
What is the Importance of the Suez Canal in Global Trade?
The Suez Canal is one of the most crucial waterways in the world, serving as a direct link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. It plays a vital role in global commerce, allowing vessels to bypass the lengthy and costly journey around the southern tip of Africa.
The canal handles approximately 12% of global trade annually. It significantly reduces travel time between Europe and Asia, cutting the journey by around 7,000 kilometres.
It is particularly important for the transport of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), with around 8-10% of global oil trade passing through it. On average, 50 ships transit the canal daily, carrying goods ranging from crude oil to consumer products.
Any disruption in the Suez Canal can have severe economic consequences, leading to supply chain delays, increased shipping costs, and fluctuations in global markets.
When Did the Suez Canal First Get Blocked and Why?
The first major blockage of the Suez Canal occurred in 1956 during the Suez Crisis, which was triggered by geopolitical tensions.
- On 26 July 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser announced the nationalisation of the canal, taking control from British and French entities.
- Britain and France, fearing economic losses and reduced influence in the region, secretly collaborated with Israel to take military action.
- Israeli forces invaded the Sinai Peninsula, advancing towards the canal. Shortly after, British and French forces also intervened.
- Egypt responded by blocking the canal with sunken ships, rendering it impassable for months.
International pressure, particularly from the United States and the Soviet Union, forced Britain, France, and Israel to withdraw. The canal was reopened in March 1957, now fully controlled by Egypt.
Why Was the Suez Canal Blocked for Eight Years Between 1967 and 1975?
The longest closure of the Suez Canal lasted from 1967 to 1975, a period marked by the Six-Day War between Egypt and Israel.
In June 1967, Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, a key region bordering the canal. In retaliation, Egypt blocked the canal by placing mines and sinking ships at both entrances.
This resulted in the trapping of 15 ships, known as the “Yellow Fleet,” which remained stranded in the canal for the entire duration of the closure. The economic impact was substantial, forcing ships to take the much longer route around Africa.
The canal remained blocked for eight years, only reopening in June 1975 after Egypt and Israel reached diplomatic agreements.
What Other Major Blockages Have Happened in the Suez Canal?
Several incidents apart from wars have caused temporary blockages in the canal. These events, though shorter in duration, still led to significant trade disruptions.
Before the Ever Given blockage in 2021, several other incidents caused temporary disruptions in the Suez Canal. These incidents, though shorter in duration, still had notable effects on maritime traffic.
Previous Suez Canal Blockages:
| Year | Incident Name | Cause of Blockage | Duration | Resolution Method |
| 2004 | Tropic Brilliance Incident | Oil tanker ran aground, obstructing traffic | 3 days | Refloated by removing sand around the hull |
| 2006 | Okal King Dor Blockage | Sandstorm and high winds caused ship to drift off course | 8 hours | Tugboats successfully freed the vessel |
| 2017 | OOCL Japan Malfunction | Steering gear failure caused vessel to block the canal | Few hours | Tugboats pushed the ship back on course |
While these incidents were resolved quickly, they highlight the vulnerability of the canal to adverse weather, human error, and technical malfunctions.
What Happened During the 2021 Ever Given Incident?
The Ever Given incident in March 2021 was one of the most significant disruptions in the history of the Suez Canal, halting global trade for nearly a week.
The event showcased the vulnerability of the world’s busiest maritime routes and raised concerns about the risks associated with large container ships navigating narrow waterways.
23 March 2021 – Initial Grounding
At 07:40 EGY (05:40 UTC), the Ever Given, a massive 400-metre-long, 224,000-ton container ship with a capacity of 20,000 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), ran aground in the southern section of the Suez Canal near coordinates 30.0175°N 32.5800°E.
The vessel was buffeted by strong winds, which reportedly caused it to lose control and wedge diagonally across the canal, blocking the entire passage. Both its bow and stern became lodged on opposite banks, preventing other vessels from passing.
24–27 March 2021 – Traffic Disruption and Rescue Efforts
The blockage created an immediate maritime crisis, with hundreds of vessels stranded on either side of the canal, unable to proceed.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) mobilized efforts to refloat the ship, including deploying tugboats, dredgers, and excavators to remove sediment around the vessel. Dutch maritime salvage company Boskalis, through its subsidiary Smit International, was brought in to assist with the operation.
28 March 2021 – Mounting Economic Losses
The number of stranded vessels waiting to pass through the canal grew to at least 369. The financial impact of the blockage reached an estimated $9.6 billion per day, affecting trade between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Shipping companies began considering alternative routes, including a detour around the Cape of Good Hope, which would add an extra 3,500 nautical miles and 10–15 days to their journeys.
29 March 2021 – Refloating of the Ever Given
Salvage teams made progress, partially refloating the ship and moving it about 80% in the correct direction. However, the bow remained stuck.
At 15:05 EGY (13:05 UTC), with the help of 14 tugboats working during high tide, the ship was finally freed. The Ever Given was towed toward the Great Bitter Lake for further technical inspection.
Canal Reopens and Initial Aftermath
Following clearance, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) conducted inspections and found the canal structure undamaged. At 19:00 EGY (17:00 UTC), normal shipping operations resumed.
What Are the Legal and Financial Disputes?
- 13 April 2021 – Ship Impounded: The Egyptian government impounded the Ever Given, citing a demand for over $1 billion in compensation from the ship’s owner, Shoei Kisen Kaisha (a Japanese company), and its insurers. The compensation claim covered loss of revenue, salvage efforts, and damage to canal infrastructure.
- July 2021 – Settlement and Release: After months of negotiations, a formal settlement was reached between the ship’s owner, its insurers, and the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) for an undisclosed amount. The Ever Given was released on 7 July 2021, resuming its original journey to Rotterdam with a stop at Port Said for further inspections.
What Are the Impact and Future Prevention Measures?
Economic Consequences
The six-day blockage disrupted global supply chains, delaying shipments of goods, oil, and raw materials. Freight costs surged as shipping companies faced route changes and longer transit times.
Structural and Operational Improvements
Following the incident, the Egyptian government announced plans to widen and deepen the narrower sections of the Suez Canal to prevent similar occurrences. New navigation procedures and enhanced monitoring systems were introduced to improve maritime safety in the canal.
The Ever Given incident remains one of the most memorable maritime disruptions in recent history, highlighting the fragility of global trade networks and the necessity for proactive crisis management in key shipping routes.
How Did the 2021 Blockage Impact Global Trade?
The Ever Given incident had widespread consequences for global supply chains, causing financial losses and logistical challenges.
- Delays in goods transportation: Essential commodities, including oil, consumer goods, and manufacturing materials, were held up.
- Financial losses: The blockage resulted in estimated global trade losses of $54 billion.
- Increase in freight costs: Shipping companies had to reroute vessels, leading to higher transportation expenses.
- Port congestion: Major ports worldwide faced disruptions as delayed vessels arrived all at once, creating bottlenecks.
The incident underscored the risks of relying on a single, narrow waterway for a large percentage of global trade.
What Were the Economic Impacts of the Ever Given Blockage?
The closure of the Suez Canal during the Ever Given incident resulted in staggering financial losses for global trade. The direct cost of the blockage was estimated at $10 billion per day, or approximately $7 million per minute, making it one of the most expensive maritime disruptions in history.
Immediate Financial Losses
- More than 369 vessels were stranded, unable to transit through the canal, leading to delays in the delivery of essential goods.
- The shipping industry faced increased costs, as many companies had to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant fuel and operational expenses.
- The global oil market saw temporary price fluctuations, as shipments of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) were delayed.
Cascading Supply Chain Disruptions
Beyond the direct costs, the blockage triggered a ripple effect across global supply networks, creating long-term economic disruptions:
- Delays in Manufacturing: Many industries, including automotive, electronics, and retail, faced production slowdowns due to a shortage of raw materials and components.
- Port Congestion: Once the canal reopened, delayed ships arrived at their destinations simultaneously, overwhelming ports and causing further logistical bottlenecks.
- Increased Shipping Rates: The incident contributed to a surge in freight costs, exacerbating ongoing supply chain challenges worldwide.
While the Suez Canal was eventually cleared, the financial and logistical impacts of the six-day blockage continued to affect businesses and global trade for months, highlighting the fragility of the world’s interconnected supply chains.
What Measures Have Been Taken to Prevent Future Blockages?
In response to the Ever Given incident, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and the Egyptian government introduced several initiatives to prevent similar disruptions.
- Expansion of the canal: Plans were announced to widen and deepen the southern section, where the Ever Given got stuck.
- Upgraded navigation systems: Advanced traffic monitoring and vessel tracking technologies are being implemented.
- Improved crisis management protocols: More tugboats, dredging equipment, and emergency response teams are now available to handle emergencies swiftly.
These measures aim to minimise the chances of prolonged disruptions and ensure smooth maritime traffic.
Could the Suez Canal Get Blocked Again in the Future?
Despite ongoing improvements, several risks remain that could lead to future blockages.
- Extreme weather conditions: High winds, sandstorms, and rough seas can cause vessels to drift off course.
- Human errors: Misjudgments in navigation or miscommunication between ship crews and canal authorities could result in accidents.
- Mechanical failures: Engine malfunctions, steering gear breakdowns, or structural damages can lead to obstructions.
While technological advancements and improved training have reduced these risks, experts believe occasional disruptions are unavoidable.
What Are the Key Lessons Learned from Suez Canal Blockages?
The repeated disruptions of the Suez Canal have provided valuable insights into global trade management and crisis response.
- Need for alternative trade routes: Some industry experts advocate for alternative shipping routes or land-based transport corridors to reduce reliance on the canal.
- Importance of rapid response strategies: Quick mobilization of salvage teams and advanced equipment can significantly reduce downtime in case of future blockages.
- Economic interdependence and vulnerability: The incident highlighted how a single shipping delay can cause cascading effects across global markets, affecting businesses, consumers, and national economies.
Ongoing efforts to enhance the canal’s infrastructure and crisis management strategies will be crucial in maintaining uninterrupted global trade.
Conclusion
The Suez Canal has been blocked multiple times due to geopolitical conflicts, accidents, and extreme weather conditions. The 2021 Ever Given incident demonstrated how a single ship could disrupt the global supply chain for days.
While significant measures have been taken to prevent future blockages, challenges remain. The key takeaway is that the world must remain prepared for disruptions in major trade routes and develop effective contingency plans to mitigate their impact.
FAQs
Why is the Suez Canal important for global trade?
The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing ships to bypass the longer route around Africa, saving time and costs.
What caused the 2021 Ever Given blockage?
Strong winds, human error, and possible technical issues caused the massive container ship to run aground, blocking the canal for six days.
How did the Ever Given blockage impact global trade?
It stranded over 369 ships, delayed billions of dollars in goods, and increased freight costs worldwide.
Has the Suez Canal been blocked before?
Yes, the canal has faced several blockages, including the 1956 Suez Crisis, the 1967–1975 closure due to war, and multiple vessel groundings in later years.
What measures have been taken to prevent future blockages?
The canal is being widened, and improvements in navigation technology, crisis response, and tugboat support have been implemented.
Can the Suez Canal get blocked again?
Yes, blockages remain possible due to weather conditions, human error, or mechanical failures, despite preventive measures.
Are there alternative routes to the Suez Canal?
Yes, alternative routes include sailing around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope or using the Northern Sea Route, though both have limitations.
