Insurers unimpressed with SCA’s public statements

Insurers of the impounded Ever Given vessel remained unconvinced by the public statements made by the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), which is claiming US$916 million for losses following the grounding and blockage of the waterway for six days in March.

The SCA filed a lawsuit making the claim for damages soon after the vessel was freed and has since impounded the ship in the Great Bitter Lake area of the canal until a settlement is reached with the Japanese vessel owner, Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd and the vessel’s insurer the UK P&I Club.

A statement from the insurer, said, “The UK Club has seen the public comments made by SCA chairman, Osama Rabie indicating that the SCA has reduced its claim from US$916 million to US$600 million.

“The reduced amount has not been reflected in the SCA’s claim filed at court and the Ever Given’s owners still have not been provided with evidence that would support a claim of this size, which remains exceptionally large. The Ever Given’s interests continue to negotiate in good faith with the SCA.”

Neither shipmanager Bernard Schulte Shipmanagement nor the operator Evergreen Marine Corporation commented on the latest developments.