Modern supply chains have become very efficient, but that means disruptions of any kind can lead to delays and shortages.
The procession of ships in the Suez canal for its opening. Illustration from the magazine “The Illustrated London News, volume LV, November 18, 1869.
DEA / BIBLIOTECA AMBROSIANA/Getty Images
Prior to the mid-19th century, the Isthmus of Suez – the 125km strip of land that lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea – was a quiet spot.
Beachgoers near Cairo watch a massive container ship sail to the Red Sea.
AP Photo/Amr Nabil
A bottleneck in the global shipping network will accelerate the move to more local production and shorter supply chains.
The container ship ran aground in the Suez Canal on March 23, blocking the passage of other ships and causing a traffic jam for cargo vessels.
EPA-EFE/Media Suez Canal Head Office