Tanker Blackout Blocks Suez Canal Traffic

A tanker transiting the Suez Canal suffered a blackout on February 15, at about 10:34 hours local time, impeding southbound convoys.

The 52,579 dwt tanker was part of a northbound convoy of 21 vessels. The 14 vessels transiting in front of the tanker were unaffected.

In an update on the situation, the Gulf Agency Company (GAC) confirmed to World Maritime News that the vessel had been escorted by three tugs to anchor at Great Bitter Lake, Ismailia, adding that traffic was expected to return to normal shortly.

GAC did not reveal the name of the vessel, however, AIS data indicates to the possibility that the vessel in question is the Croatia-flagged tanker Pomer. According to VesselFinder data, the vessel was en route from Sumatra to the Black Sea port of Taman.

No information about damages or pollution has been released.