WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The Suez Canal has reopened after the grounding Wednesday of the Chinese vessel Oocl Qingdao.
The 93,000-ton ship, flagged in Hong Kong, drifted from its route near Ismailiya as it sailed northwards, blocking the transit of seven northbound ships behind it before bringing canal operations to a complete halt. Canal officials said that strong winds might have contributed to the accident.
The 128-mile-long canal carries nearly 8 percent of the world's annual maritime trade. The channel is only 984 feet wide at its narrowest point.
HotPortNews reported that canal officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the ship experienced steering problems and ran aground.
Four tugs were subsequently dispatched to remove the ship and free up traffic in the canal. Besides the Suez Canal blockage, bad weather and strong seas on Feb. 8 forced four Egyptian Red Sea harbors and several airports to close.
