International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General on Suez Canal Stall

The Suez Canal blockage, lasting nearly a week, significantly impacted global trade, with 12% of it passing through the canal annually. Salvage teams successfully freed the massive ship, comparable in size to the Eiffel Tower, in just six days. The incident raises questions about ship size and canal capacity. An investigation is underway to determine the cause, with speculation around technical failures and weather conditions. The blockage exacerbated container shortages and trade imbalances, particularly between China and the US. The ripple effects on supply chains include increased freight rates, delays, and potential insurance claims.

What percentage of world trade passes through the Suez Canal annually?

• 5%

• 12%

• 20%

• 25%

What was the approximate weight of the ship that got stuck in the Suez Canal?

• 250,000 tons

• 200,000 tons

• 150,000 tons

• 100,000 tons

What are some speculated causes of the Suez Canal blockage?

• Steering gear failure

• Earthquake

• Tsunami

• Pirate attack

Which route did some ships take to avoid the Suez Canal blockage?

• Strait of Gibraltar

• Cape of Good Hope

• Panama Canal

• Northwest Passage

What is one potential consequence of the Suez Canal blockage on global trade?

• Reduction in shipping times

• Increase in freight rates

• Surplus of containers

• Decrease in fuel prices