Megaship Blocking Suez Canal May Be Refloated Today

A megaship blocking Egypt’s Suez Canal could be refloated as early as Saturday, the vessel’s Japanese owner told local media, as the crisis forced companies to re-route services from the vital shipping lane around Africa.

The MV Ever Given, which is longer than four football fields, has been wedged diagonally across the span of the canal since Tuesday, blocking the waterway in both directions.

At a press conference in Japan, Friday the president of Shoei Kisen — which owns the ship — told local media there were no signs of damage to its engines and various instruments.

“The ship is not taking water. There is no problem with its rudders and propellers. Once it refloats, it should be able to operate,” Yukito Higaki said in the western city of Imabari, according to the Asahi Shimbun.

Work crews were hoping to remove the ship as early as Saturday evening Tokyo time, he said.