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Tag: Car Carrier

Splendid Ace

Splendid Ace

Splendid Ace
Photo: stvincenttimes.com

On the morning of November 10, the 198 meter long, 19893 dwt vehicle carrier Splendid Ace (IMO: 9252228) became damaged in the Caribbean Sea while entering the port of Kingstown, St. Vincent. The Splendid Ace was attempting to berth at the cruise ship dock when it struck an unknown underwater object. The object punctured the vessel’s starboard forward hull at the waterline. The Splendid Ace was able to unload enough cargo resulting in the hole being sufficiently above the waterline to prevent any water ingress.

Reports state the vessel was surveyed for damage and the vessel remained at the berth for several days. This prevented cruise ships to dock at St. Vincent during this time. The Splendid Ace was able to finally leave port on November 12.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Hoegh London

Hoegh London

On July 17, the 229 meter long, 27100 dwt car carrier Hoegh London collided with a South Korean Navy submarine off Gadeokdo Island, Busan, South Korea. The Hoegh London departed from Masan bound for China when it struck the submerged submarine. The submarine surfaced suffering on minor damage, but the Hoegh London sustained a half meter gash along its bow. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Hoegh London proceeded to an anchorage while an investigation was conducted.  The name of the South Korean submarine was not disclosed.

 

Makassar Highway

Makassar Highway

Makassar Highway
Photo: kustbevakningen.se

On July 23, the 139 meter long, 6890 dwt car carrier Makassar Highway ran aground in the Baltic Sea near Vastervik, Sweden. The Makassar Highway was headed for Södertälje from Cuxhaven with 1325 vehicles on board when it ran aground at full speed into shallow water.  The Makassar Highway went hard aground with enough force that the bow was nearly out of the water. A small amount of hydrolic oil leaked from the bow thruster.  The Swedish Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene.  Coast Guard vessels placed a boom around the hull to contain any further pollution released.

An initial investigation found the crewman at the helm at the time of the incident was intoxicated.  He did not change course and allowed the car carrier to steer straight into shallow water.  Swedish authorities report that the crewman was arrested for gross negligence.

Divers were dispatched to inspect the Makassar Highway for damage. The Coast Guard and Swedish authorities are in discussion with the vessel’s owner to develop a salvage plan.