Major liner operators warned on Saturday that congestion issues would continue to plague container trades for some time after the Suez Canal reopens.

The messages came as the 20,388-teu boxship Ever Given (built 2018) continued to block the waterway after it grounded on 23 March, halting traffic in both directions.

Suez Canal Authority chairman Osama Rabie said on Saturday that the ship's propeller and anchor had been freed during refloating efforts, which were to continue "around the clock".