Harsh weather has claimed another victim, this time the Maersk Eindhoven, which experienced a loss of engine propulsion for three to four minutes while sailing 45 nautical miles off northern Japan in heavy seas on February 17.
It was on route from Xiamen, China, to Los Angeles, California, when 260 containers were lost overboard and 65 containers damaged on deck.
This is the third weather-related incident in three months – with the Maersk Essen losing 750 containers in January on the same route as the Eindhoven and One Network Express’s One Apus recording a loss of 1816 containers at the end of November.
The Eindhoven’s loss of manoeuvrability resulted in severe rolling but propulsion power was quickly restored and the initial analysis indicates engine oil pressure triggered a safety feature, causing the engines to shut down.
No malfunction or maintenance issues were identified and the crew is safe.
In its latest update, Maersk says the 13 100-TEU container vessel is currently in Japanese waters, awaiting clearance by Japanese authorities, for transit into APM Terminals’ Yokohama, Japan container terminal on February 25.
Company surveyors and salvaging experts are on board, reviewing vessel and safety conditions.
It is expected to resume its normal service routing once the repairs are completed.
There should be more clarity in the next few days, according to an advisory.
The line has been keeping customers apprised of the situation, prioritising those who may have lost containers or whose containers have sustained potential damage.
The Maersk Essen meanwhile has completed her port operations at APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, and is due to depart.
“The vessel will sail full speed to the Los Angeles anchorage – a three-day journey – in an effort to arrive early and be in position to berth APM Terminals Pier 400 Los Angeles prior to her current scheduled arrival on March 4.
The ONE Apus, which encountered severe weather on its way from Yantian, China, to Long Beach, USA, is expected to be ready for departure around mid-March.
