Maritime Analysis
The Journey of Al-Muraykh: From Groundings to Record-Breaking Voyages
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 19, 2026
Al-Muraykh, a prominent Ultra-Large Container Ship (ULCS) operated by the United Arab Shipping Company (UASC), has made headlines for both its operational efficiency and a precarious grounding incident in the Suez Canal. Delivered in August 2020, the vessel is part of a new class of mega-ships designed to revolutionize container shipping with environmental efficiency and record cargo capacities.
On November 26, 2020, while transiting the Suez Canal, Al-Muraykh experienced a loss of power, leading to the vessel grounding near Al Ismailiya. This incident caused a temporary suspension of both northbound and southbound convoys within the canal, affecting multiple vessels. Fortunately, the Suez Canal Authority swiftly dispatched assistance tugs, and after five hours of concerted efforts, Al-Muraykh was refloated and safely anchored in the Bitter Lakes for inspections. Following these checks, traffic in the Suez Canal resumed, allowing Al-Muraykh to continue its journey toward its destination.
Before this incident, the Al-Muraykh was already making waves in the shipping industry. It embarked on a record-setting journey from Port Klang in Malaysia to Felixstowe, UK, carrying an unprecedented load of 18,601 TEUs. This milestone load exemplifies UASC's commitment to maximizing efficiency, as the company announced that CO2 emissions per TEU for this voyage would be reduced by 60% compared to older 13,500 TEU vessels. The vessel is characterized by its advanced design that promotes fuel and energy efficiency and is classified as one capable of operating on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and heavy fuel oil.
Adding to its impressive credentials, Al-Muraykh made its maiden call at APM Terminals Zeebrugge, further solidifying its status in the European market. This terminal is one of the few in Europe equipped to handle ULCS and is known for its high throughput capabilities. With a design accommodating up to 10 tiers of containers below decks and provisions for nearly 1,000 reefer slots, Al-Muraykh exemplifies a new era of container shipping, ready to navigate the environmental challenges faced by the maritime industry.
As Al-Muraykh continues its journey through the world’s shipping lanes, the vessel not only symbolizes the future of cargo transport but also serves as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictabilities inherent in maritime operations.
On November 26, 2020, while transiting the Suez Canal, Al-Muraykh experienced a loss of power, leading to the vessel grounding near Al Ismailiya. This incident caused a temporary suspension of both northbound and southbound convoys within the canal, affecting multiple vessels. Fortunately, the Suez Canal Authority swiftly dispatched assistance tugs, and after five hours of concerted efforts, Al-Muraykh was refloated and safely anchored in the Bitter Lakes for inspections. Following these checks, traffic in the Suez Canal resumed, allowing Al-Muraykh to continue its journey toward its destination.
Before this incident, the Al-Muraykh was already making waves in the shipping industry. It embarked on a record-setting journey from Port Klang in Malaysia to Felixstowe, UK, carrying an unprecedented load of 18,601 TEUs. This milestone load exemplifies UASC's commitment to maximizing efficiency, as the company announced that CO2 emissions per TEU for this voyage would be reduced by 60% compared to older 13,500 TEU vessels. The vessel is characterized by its advanced design that promotes fuel and energy efficiency and is classified as one capable of operating on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and heavy fuel oil.
Adding to its impressive credentials, Al-Muraykh made its maiden call at APM Terminals Zeebrugge, further solidifying its status in the European market. This terminal is one of the few in Europe equipped to handle ULCS and is known for its high throughput capabilities. With a design accommodating up to 10 tiers of containers below decks and provisions for nearly 1,000 reefer slots, Al-Muraykh exemplifies a new era of container shipping, ready to navigate the environmental challenges faced by the maritime industry.
As Al-Muraykh continues its journey through the world’s shipping lanes, the vessel not only symbolizes the future of cargo transport but also serves as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictabilities inherent in maritime operations.
Based on these news reports:
- Al Muraykh Grounds in Suez Canal, Traffic Temporarily Halted (2020-11-26)
- UASC's Al Muraykh Sets New Record with 18,601 TEU on Route to Felixstowe (2015-12-19)
- APM Terminals Zeebrugge Welcomes Al Muraykh on Maiden European Voyage (2015-10-17)