Maersk Boxship Suffers Major Hull Damage After Collision With Feeder Vessel At Chattogram Port

A container vessel operated by Maersk Line sustained structural damage after colliding with a feeder ship at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port on Friday morning, according to port officials and company representatives.

The Singapore-flagged Maersk Chattogram was approaching the pilot station at around 9:30 a.m. when it came into contact with the feeder vessel HR Turag near the BDCGP area, before the start of the formal piloting process.

The impact caused visible damage to the aft section on the starboard side of the Maersk vessel. Images from the scene show a long gash in the hull plating.

Despite the visible damage, no injuries were reported among crew members on either vessel.

Crew members aboard the Maersk ship stated that the damage was limited to the external hull, adding that essential systems including the engine and steering gear remained fully operational.

The HR Turag, a 1,000 TEU-class feeder vessel built in 1999, was previously part of the Maersk fleet under the name Maersk Arun.

The ship changed to the Bangladesh flag in 2023 and is believed to be operating primarily in regional trades.

The Maersk Chattogram, a 2,700 TEU sub-Panamax container ship built in 2016, is flagged in Singapore and operates on regional routes.

Officials at the port confirmed that the collision occurred while both vessels were maneuvering in the anchorage area.

Authorities have since increased safety measures and requested that an additional tugboat remain on standby to assist the damaged vessel if required.

A representative from the Chattogram Port Authority confirmed the incident and said coordination is ongoing with all relevant stakeholders.

The vessel was later berthed at a container terminal, where it is expected to discharge cargo before further decisions are made regarding repairs.

Maersk’s local office indicated that a full assessment will follow cargo operations, after which repair arrangements will be finalized.

The company also confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the collision will be carried out.

As of the latest update, the vessel remains safely moored at the port, and operations are continuing under close monitoring by port authorities and shipping officials.

References: Tbs news