SUEZ, Egypt—Engineers partially freed a wedged ship blocking the Suez Canal on Monday and tugboats are now working on straightening its course in a move that could soon reopen the vital trade route and end days of global supply disruptions.
Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority that operates the waterway, early Monday said tugs dislodged the bow of the 1,300-foot Ever Given, operated by Taiwan-based Evergreen Group, from the eastern bank of the canal.
“It is good news,” Mr. Rabie said. He added that tugboats would continue for another hour or so to ensure the vessel could begin moving again up the canal.
“We are not finished yet, but it has moved,” he said.
Write to Rory Jones at rory.jones@wsj.com