The backlog of vessels at the Suez Canal was dwindling Thursday after a massive container ship was freed following a week-long blockade, and little impact was seen — for now — on the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade.

As of Thursday, about 250 ships had transited the canal since Monday (March 29), down from roughly 367 vessels that were awaiting transit when the Ever Given was dislodged that day, according to shipping services firm Leth Agencies. The 250 ships included six LNG tankers. 

“LNG shipping suffered little during the Suez disruptions, as cargoes were replaced, ships diverted and panic averted, highlighting the other side to the volatility we often see within the industry,” said analysts at shipbroker Fearnleys AS.  “Delays for traffic already waiting in...