Ammon News -

Seven Jordan-bound livestock ships are now caught in the Suez canal logjam as the MV Ever Given mega-ship remains stranded in the vital waterway blocking traffic in both directions.

Daifallah Abu Aqula, president of the clearance and freight transport companies association, said in a statement Saturday that traders have concerns about the welfare of the animals and also about prices if the logjam becomes protracted, adding that diversions around southern Africa’s Cape of Good Hope add 15 days to any vessel's journey.

Abu Aqula also indicated that Jordan's imports and exports to and from Europe and America might also suffer delays, adding that the situation will be clearer in the coming few days.

He indicated that the canal's closure will also affect bulk cargo ships that transport wheat, grains, iron ore, wood, soy, cars and parts, foodstuffs, garments, raw materials, production inputs, and more.

According to Abu Aqula, the majority of imports come from European markets, especially the goods for the holy month of Ramadan and holidays, indicating that some of the cargo has already arrived in Aqaba, but some other shipments have not yet arrived.

He raised the alarm of a possible container pileup and delayed clearance if all ships arrive at once as soon as the Suez Canal is reopened.