Maersk Container Ship Collides With Barge, Runs Aground & Blocks Bonny Channel In Nigeria

Nigerian Authorities have responded to an oil spill after two ships collided in Bonny Inner Anchorage in Rivers State this week, halting vessel movement at the Onne Port, which has left several ships stranded in the channel.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said the incident happened on Wednesday morning involving the oil products tanker Lady Martina and the Singaporean-flagged Maersk Valparaiso, though it is not clear which vessel led to the spill.

Five crew members from Lady Martina were injured and immediately evacuated by a nearby patrol boat, after which they were taken to a hospital.

After the collision, Lady Martina drifted to shore and is aground along the Bonny Channel, while Maersk Valparaiso is also grounded at the Bonny Inner Anchorage.

Both vessels will undergo inspections to assess the extent of damage from the collision and also for further investigation into the incident.

Maersk’s management had reported the incident to NIMASA, after which NIMASA Director General Dayo Mobereola ordered an investigation into the causes of the collision.

Mr Mobereola also instructed the agency’s Marine Environment Management Department to begin an environmental impact assessment of the affected area and take steps to mitigate the impact of the oil sheen to protect the surrounding waters.