Read: International Maritime Organization's Statement on Ever Given Grounding in Suez Canal

International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Kitack Lim has issued his first comments on the grounding of the MV Ever Given in the Suez Canal.

The International Maritime Organization is the United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping. Here are his comments:

“I offer my encouragement to the Egyptian Authorities, as well as the salvors, tug and dredger operators and all other parties, who are working tirelessly to safely re-float the ship and resume transit through one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes as soon as possible. I appreciate the efforts of every individual involved.

I am aware of the implications of the temporary closure of the canal, and I ask for patience from stakeholders across the supply chain as everyone works to ensure that the ship, its crew, its cargo and the environment remain protected.

I look forward to receiving information from the investigation into the incident so that IMO can act on any appropriate recommendations derived from the findings.”

Full Coverage: MV Ever Given grounding Suez.