The Japanese owner of the Ever Given, the container ship that blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week in March, halting billions of dollars in maritime commerce, is asking owners of the on-board freight to share the cost of the damages demanded by Egyptian authorities.
Last Friday, Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd. Stated that it has asked freight owners to share the damages in a deal known as a general average declaration. The damage sharing scheme is often used in maritime accidents covered by insurance.
The company said it has notified a number of the owners of the approximately 18,000 containers on the ship to assume part of the damages demand, estimated at about $916 million.
The shipowner said earlier this month that it has been negotiating with Egyptian authorities over the demand for compensation. The Ever Given is being held at Great Bitter Lake, a stretch of water halfway between the north and south ends of the canal, for inspection. It will not be allowed to leave until the settlement is reached, Shoei Kisen told arabnews.com.