Ever Given's Owner Seeks Help Paying For Damages

The Suez Canal was blocked for nearly a week, causing significant disruption to global maritime commerce. The ship owner is negotiating with Egyptian authorities over a compensation demand of approximately $916 million. The blockage halted maritime trade, costing billions and exacerbating existing pressures on the shipping industry due to the pandemic.

Who is being asked to help cover Egypt's losses from the canal blockage?

What factors were already putting pressure on the shipping industry before the canal blockage?