113 ships have crossed the Suez Canal in both directions since it was reopened late Monday after the 1,300-foot container ship was freed, according to the Wall Street Journal. Now, the wider ripple effects are expected to drag into the summer for an industry that operates on closely choreographed sailings and loadings schedules.
Ship owners, exporters, and importers are racing to secure berths and containers at ports, while warning of delays and higher costs for cargos.
Shipping lines have sent ships on alternative routes, delaying arrivals and adding costs.
Port authorities are now girding for a flood of arrivals as diverted ships and delayed Suez vessels arrive in addition to the regularly scheduled traffic.
Although Egyptian officials say the logjam will be cleared in three to four days, shipping executives expect it to take longer, with about 352 vessels still awaiting transit.
Businesses will need to make snap decisions, amid scanty information about ship movements and the speed of the canal unsnarling along the waterway that handles about 13% of global maritime trade.
