Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has stated it is too early to state the effect the block of Suez Canal will have on the cargo arriving in the Maldives.
Last week, a giant container ship ran aground across Egypt’s Suez Canal, blocking the waterway of one of the most important trade routes of the world. Efforts to free the vessel and reopen the waterway are still ongoing, although authorities have not been able to provide an expected date of reopening.
Speaking to PSM News, CEO of MPL Shahid Ali stated there are no ships that travel directly to the Maldives from the west through Suez Canal. However, Shahid said some ships travelling through Suez Canal travel to the Maldives after docking in other countries. He noted there will be some delays in the arrival of containers carried by such ships.
Shahid further said it is still too early to state the exact effect the block of Suez Canal will have on the Maldives. Noting ships travelling through the Suez Canal take about 10-15 days to arrive in the Maldives after transiting in other locations such as Dubai and Colombo, Shahid said it will take about two weeks to know the effect this incident will have on the Maldives.
Meanwhile, some shipping companies have also stated there will be delays in bringing in certain items from Europe due to this blockage. Items brought from Europe mainly include different types of food.