Maersk settles $44m Ever Given lawsuit against Evergreen, BSM and Shoei Kisen
The Ever Given Case: Legal Challenges and Implications in the Maritime Industry
As many of you in the shipping and logistics sector are aware, the Ever Given incident in the Suez Canal has been a critical topic of discussion since March 2021.
Here’s a quick update on the latest developments:
- Background: Ever Given was stuck in the Suez Canal for over three months, grounding on March 23, 2021, and being refloated on March 29, 2021. After extensive negotiations, it was released on July 5, 2021.
- Industry Impact: This blockage significantly disrupted ship traffic, affecting many companies in our industry. It led to a cascade of compensation claims and legal proceedings.
- Maersk’s Role: Notably, Maersk was among the companies seeking compensation for the delays caused by this incident.
- Legal Action: In a significant move, Maersk filed a lawsuit against Evergreen, Shoei Kisen, and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement for approximately DKK 300 million ($44 million). However, the case was later withdrawn in Denmark, with details of the settlement remaining confidential.
- Economic Aftermath: The grounding of Ever Given resulted in over 400 ships being delayed, with global losses estimated between $30 billion and $65 billion.
- Ongoing Investigations: Reports emerged in September 2022 about the Ever Given exceeding speed limits in the Suez Canal before the incident, adding another layer to the ongoing investigations.
- Compensation Claims: A group of cargo owners and insurers have claimed over $325,000 in damages from Shoei Kisen for alleged negligence.
- Financial Measures: Shoei Kisen has established an £84 million ($94 million) fund through UK courts to manage potential payouts.
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