We confirm that the container vessel “Ever Given” which grounded in the Suez Canal at about 0540 UTC on 23 March 2021 is insured by the UK Club for Protection and Indemnity (third party) liabilities.
We understand that the vessel grounded due to strong winds as it was transiting (with two canal pilots onboard) northbound through the canal en route to Rotterdam, Netherlands.
All crew are safe and accounted for and there have been no reports of pollution or cargo damage.
Expert salvors Smit Salvage have been appointed and are attending the vessel. The current focus is on dredging to remove sand and mud from around the bow of the vessel and a specialised suction dredger arrived on site yesterday to assist. Additional, and more powerful tugs are also on their way to the scene. Efforts to re-float the vessel will continue and salvage operations are being coordinated by the Suez Canal Authority.
The UK Club has insured the owner of “Ever Given” for certain third party liabilities that might arise from an incident such as this – including, for example, damage caused to infrastructure or claims for obstruction. The vessel itself and its cargo will have been insured separately. While the UK Club is unable to comment on any confidential insurance or potential claim details, all valid claims will be considered by the vessel owner, the UK Club and its legal advisors in due course. Currently, the UK Club’s focus is to work with all relevant parties to facilitate a safe conclusion to this incident.
