Graphic shows Suez Canal shipping traffic

The 400 metres long Ever Given has been stuck in the canal since Tuesday (March 23) and efforts are under way to free the vessel although the process may take weeks amid bad weather.

Satellite images show the Ever Green container ship run aground in the Suez Canal on Thursday (March 25) causing a blockage that has affected shipping rates and caused disruption in supplying retail goods.

The suspension of traffic through the narrow channel linking Europe and Asia has deepened problems for shipping lines that were already facing disruption and delays in supplying retail goods to consumers.