Suez Canal blockage

The Suez Canal blockage occurred in March 2021 when a large container ship, Ever Given, ran aground and became stuck horizontally across the canal, blocking maritime traffic. The canal is a vital waterway connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas, facilitating about 12% of global trade. The obstruction halted hundreds of ships, disrupting supply chains and causing delays in the delivery of goods worldwide. The blockage was eventually cleared after a massive salvage effort, but it highlighted the canal's critical importance and vulnerability to disruptions.