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[Carruthers]

Two container ships collided at the northern end of Egypt's Suez Canal, delaying traffic through a vital global trade route, shipping sources said on Monday.

The German-flagged MV Colombo Express and the Singaporean-flagged MV Maersk Tanjong collided at the mouth of the canal, knocking three containers from the Colombo Express into the sea, the sources said.

The collision is expected to delay Suez traffic in both directions.

"The incident has severely interrupted the second southbound convoy and the northbound convoy is therefore expected to be delayed," Agents Inchape Shipping Services said.

The Suez Canal is one of the world's most strategic waterways, facilitating much of the maritime trade between Europe and Asia, providing about $5 billion in annual revenue for Egypt.

Both ships remain moored in the canal lakes as Suez authorities fish the containers out of the water and complete an investigation.

No casualties were reported, but the Colombo Express sustained a 20-metre (65-ft) dent to its left side, Agents Inchape said.

I don't know quite what to make of this.

It is difficult to tell if the vessel on the right is overtaking another, or whether that on the left wishes to cross in front of it.

I understand that an overtaking vessel is required to remain clear of the slower vessel and not impede its progress in any way.

Equally, when it comes to giving way, the vessel 'on the right is in the right'.

No doubt the Master of each vessel will have the discomfort of a 'hats on' interview without refreshments.

Each of these vessels has a dead weight of over 100,000 tons and is approximately 1100' in length. Not exactly inconspicuous, are they?