MSC vessel and NITC VLCC collide in Singapore Strait

A Mediterranean Shipping Co containership suffered significant damage late last night after a major collision in the Singapore Strait with a very large crude carrier.

The 14,000 teu MSC Alexandra, sailing under the Panama flag, was heading toward Asia as part of its Jade Service when the incident occurred at approximately 2355 hours local time, rupturing the ship's hull, the Geneva-based box line has confirmed.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has identified the other vessel to be Dream II, a 2008-built, 320,000 dwt VLCC.

According to Lloyd's List Intelligence, the VLCC is owned by the National Iranian Tanker Company.

Before the incident, the MPA's Port Operations Control Centre had provided traffic information and alerted the masters of both ships of the risk of a collision.

In a statement, MSC said that there had been no loss of life or pollution caused as a result of the collision, although a number of containers had been displaced, with salvage services on the scene to locate and return them to shore.

Ten empty containers fell overboard during the incident, with four onto Dream II and the remainder into the water.

MPA had since issued warnings to all vessels of the presence of floating containers near the site of the incident and subsequently dispatched survey and salvage teams to retrieve the containers.

MSC added: "Divers and assessors have been in the area of the incident throughout the subsequent hours, helping to ensure the appropriate action to safely and effectively discharge all containers from MSC Alexandra."

A report by the MPA noted that Dream II was damaged at its bow while MSC Alexandra sustained damage to the port quarter hull.

MSC and the MPA confirmed that both vessels were now safely at anchor in Singapore.

A spokesperson for MSC added that it was looking to resume MSC Alexandra's duties as soon as possible.

Article from Lloyd's List

Published: Thursday 04 August 2016