The ultra large container ship Maersk Shams grounded in Suez Canal near the 133 kilometer mark. The vessel was proceeding in southern direction in convoy, but left the fairway and grounded into a sandbank. The ship hampered traffic at the canal and blocked more than 20 vessels from the convoy. At the scene of grounding were dispatched tugs and authorities organized salvage operation. After special survey and underwater inspection, it was estimated the vessel did not suffered any damages and remained seaworthy. The container carrier Maersk Shams was refloated at high tide with assistance of tour tugs. The ship was towed to Suez Anchorage, where was detained for further inspection and special survey. The traffic at Suez Canal was opened after 7 hours of closure and big congestion.

The container carrier Maersk Shams was anchored for further repairs and inspection. The reason for grounding is not yet determined, but according to the local authorities, vessel lost power after blackout. The ship did not suffered serious damages and will return in operations after survey. During the accident there were no injured people and water pollution.

The ultra large container ship Maersk Shams (IMO: 9726669) has overall length of 299.00 m, moulded beam of 48.00 m and maximum draft of 14.30 m. The deadweight of the ship is 111,700 DWT and the gross tonnage is 93,800 GRT. The container ship was built in April 2016 by Huynday Heavy Industries in Ulsan South Korea. The carrier Maersk Shams has capacity for 9,971 TEU.