On March 23, a container vessel, “Ever Given,” ran aground, blocking traffic through the Suez Canal for six days before it was finally refloated on March 29.
The Suez Canal is one of the world’s busiest waterways, especially for connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Mainly a route for shipments of oil and containerized cargo, the Canal also serves vessels carrying manufactured goods and some grain from the Black Sea region.
According to the Wall Street Journal, hundreds of vessels are lined up to navigate the canal. The Suez Canal Authority reports the canal is now operating at full capacity, around the clock, and with navigation in both directions.
Because most U.S. grain destined to Asia transits the Panama Canal, very little U.S. grain passes through the Suez Canal.
