Two Cargo Vessels Collide On Indonesia’s Mahakam River, Spilling Containers Into Busy Shipping Lane

Several containers were lost in Indonesia after two cargo vessels collided on the Mahakam River on 13 May, disrupting a key inland shipping route in East Kalimantan.

The collision took place in a narrow section of the river between Samarinda and upstream industrial areas.

The container vessel Spil Ratna, which was departing Samarinda, collided with the general cargo vessel Meratus Kolawa, which was heading towards Balikpapan.

Per reports, Spil Ratna hit Meratus Kolawa on its starboard bow during a port-to-port passing.

The impact caused heavy damage above the waterline on Meratus Kolawa’s hull. Spil Ratna also suffered damage to its forecastle and starboard bridge wing.

Eight containers fell into the river and were carried away by the strong current, creating a navigation hazard for other vessels operating in the busy waterway.

Video circulating from the scene appeared to show Spil Ratna turning to starboard during a port-to-port passing manoeuvre before its starboard bow struck the starboard side of Meratus Kolawa.

The impact caused extensive structural damage above the waterline on the cargo vessel.

Spil Ratna also sustained damage, primarily around its forecastle and starboard bridge wing, though the vessel remained afloat following the collision.

Indonesia’s port authority, KSOP, deployed response teams to locate and recover the drifting containers. Local fishermen and river users were also warned to be careful as operations continued in the area.

No injuries or pollution were reported. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, with authorities examining possible navigational or operational error in the narrow river channel.

A river collision in Indonesia left two vessels damaged and eight containers floating in the water. pic.twitter.com/xfimiR2scS

— The Maritime (@themaritimenet) May 17, 2026

The Mahakam River empties into the Makassar Strait and forms part of a heavily used maritime transport network serving the Indonesian archipelago.

The narrow and current-affected channel is known to present navigational challenges, particularly for larger vessels operating in opposite directions along constrained river sections.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, including the possibility of navigational or operational error in the restricted channel.

Meratus Kolawa is an Indonesian-flagged container feeder of about 8,000 deadweight tonnes built in 2021, while Spil Ratna is a similarly sized Indonesian-flagged vessel built in 2019.

Both vessels primarily operate in domestic trade networks across the region.

References: safety4sea, trusteddocks