Maersk Line has released an update in which it states that its crew members of the 4,650 TEU Safmarine Meru remain safe and sound following a recent collision with a German container vessel off the coast of Ningbo, China.
In line with standard procedure, crisis counsellors are onsite offering ongoing support with arrangements to release the crew for shore leave currently underway.
External firefighting has concluded with fire tugs remaining nearby to observe any developments. The fire is currently under control.
A team of Chinese authority officials and Maersk Line representatives have been on board the Safmarine Meru to survey the damages and gather information needed to make plans for moving the vessel to shore.
Maersk report that the vessel is without power and has suffered some water ingress, but its condition is stable and it is deemed suitable for towage.
Palle Laursen, Head of Ship Management in Maersk Line, said: “We are currently cooperating with the Chinese authorities to develop a plan to safely tow the vessel alongside in the Port of Ningbo.
“We will not speculate or comment on the circumstances leading to the incident while investigations are ongoing.”
Fact File: Safmarine Meru is a 4,650 TEU container vessel, built in 2006 and sails under the Hong Kong flag. At the time of the collision, Safmarine Meru had less than 400 full containers on board. Customers with cargo on board the Safmarine Meru have been contacted directly.
