The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has successfully refloated the bulk carrier XIN TAIN YUAN after it ran aground due to a rudder failure while transiting the Suez Canal.
The vessel, sailing under the Panama flag, was part of the northbound convoy traveling from Denmark to Singapore. It grounded at km 87 of the canal.
Rapid response and recovery
According to Ossama Rabiee, four SCA tugboats were deployed immediately after the incident was reported. The team refloated the vessel within hours, completing the operation by 4 p.m.
Tugboats carried out coordinated towage maneuvers to return the vessel to its course. The ship was then escorted to the Great Bitter Lakes for inspection after its crew fixed the technical issue.
The operation involved the SCA’s Crisis Management Committee, Transit Department, Shipyards Department, and salvage teams, ensuring safe and efficient handling.
Advanced capabilities on display
Rabiee highlighted the role of the tugboat Azm 2, one of the newest additions to the fleet, which participated in a salvage operation for the first time and delivered strong performance.
He emphasized that the SCA’s expertise and technical resources enable it to respond quickly to navigational emergencies and maintain safe canal operations.
Traffic remains unaffected
Canal traffic from the south continued without disruption. Northbound convoy movements are expected to resume once inspections are completed.
On the day of the incident, 50 vessels transited the canal, with a total net tonnage of 2.2 million tons, confirming normal operations.
