SINGAPORE- FLAGGED containership One Orpheus struck a floating bridge in the eastern lane of the Suez Canal after losing control of its steering, reports Singapore's Splash 247.

The 336-metre long 2008-built ship suffered a fault with its rudder while transiting the canal on its way from Singapore to the Netherlands.

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA)said in a statement that the passage of ships through the vital trade route linking Asia and Europe had not been affected.

All south-bound vessels transited as normal, while ships coming from the south were being diverted from the expanded section of the waterway that was completed in 2015 along the original branch of the canal, the SCA said.

Four tugs were deployed to move the 8,600 TEU ship owned by Meiji Shipping and on charter to Ocean Network Express (ONE).