Suez Canal vessel in limbo

The ship that caused the blockage of the Suez Canal last month is being held at the canal, for payment of damages.

Not only is it not moving, the cargo owners that have the containers cannot get their goods. And some interpretations of the maritime law are stating the vessel and the cargo owners can be liable for the damages caused.


What a mess.

That has been my understanding. A possible issue may be a proportionate amount of the value for the injured parties, since based upon the speculative claims the damages exceed the value of the vessel and cargo.

Not a mess.
Simple sea law allows claims.
I've been in on disabled vessel "salvage" disputes.
Those that assist can end up owning the ship if the owner, or owners insurance co walks away. In this case a world wide shipping outfit will find it impossible to walk away.
Actual salvage costs are easy to document. All those tug boats have a per hour posted fee.
Although the lost business value aspect from the canal operator will be tougher to document, the damages to canal itself will also be an easy claim.
And yes the canal operator holding the ship till paid off, is allowed.
Basic land civies simply do not understand what authority a Port Master or Harbor Master has. Yes they can impound ships.

My cheap electronics made in China I bought on Amazon is on that ship!