Working Conditions Aboard the Ever-Lovely

On June 25, 2026, the container ship 'Ever Lovely' was struck by a projectile, likely a drone, while navigating south of Oman, approximately 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. and involved the ship, which had a crew of 21 members onboard. This attack followed a warning issued by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), indicating that only vessels sailing through the northern channel under their control would be permitted transit. Reports had also surfaced that Iranian authorities ordered at least four tankers to change their course while attempting to pass through the strait, a vital waterway that had already been congested in the Persian Gulf for over 100 days. The master of the 'Ever Lovely' alerted the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) that the ship was hit on its starboard side, resulting in damage to the bridge, although thankfully, there were no casualties reported. In response, the UKMTO issued a warning to mariners in the vicinity. Despite the strike, the 'Ever Lovely,' one of three Evergreen vessels moving to exit the Persian Gulf, continued its journey and successfully navigated out of the Strait of Hormuz, heading towards Fujairah. Following this hostile incident, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced a temporary halt to its evacuation operations in the region, explaining that the vessel did not fall under its evacuation framework. The IMO's decision coincided with rising concerns regarding the stability of the ceasefire, as well as growing apprehension over the safety risks posed to maritime vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In the wake of the attack, the oil market experienced a sudden halt in sell-offs, underscoring the fragility of the situation. Tehran reaffirmed its authority over shipping in the Strait on June 26, cautioning Gulf states against collaborating with U.S. forces. In retaliation for the aggression towards the 'Ever Lovely,' the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) executed strikes against Iranian targets on June 26, targeting missile and drone storage sites, along with coastal radar locations. This escalation highlights the increasing volatility in the region and the ongoing geopolitical complexities surrounding maritime trade routes.

On June 30, 2023, Taiwanese shipping giant Evergreen made waves in the maritime industry by announcing a significant upgrade to its Asia Pacific-South America service. The company will replace an older L-type vessel with a state-of-the-art addition: the Ever Lovely. Built by the CSBC Corporation in Taiwan, the Ever Lovely is the ninth L-type vessel in Evergreen's fleet. Measuring an impressive 334.8 meters in length and 45.8 meters in width, this new ship boasts a draft of 14.2 meters and can reach speeds of up to 24.5 knots. The L-type vessels, launched in 2015, feature an innovative energy-saving bow design that allows for a remarkable reduction in fuel consumption, estimated between 12% and 21%, while also minimizing harmful emissions. By the conclusion of 2023, 15 of Evergreen's L-type vessels will be equipped with this environmentally-friendly technology, reinforcing the company's commitment to sustainability in maritime transport.