AsiaContainers
Feeder boxship slams into pier at Manila port
The 2003-built 639 teu feeder containership Ocean Abundance slammed into a pier at Manila North Harbor Port on Monday.
According to the initial investigation report by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the ship ran into the pier after it suffered an engine malfunction, leaving it unable to turn.
Both the ship’s bow and pier are damaged from the incident, although the PCG said there were no signs of an oil spill and it would continue to monitor the area.
The Ocean Abundance is owned by local company Oceanic Container Lines.
Shiphandling. Lesson 1
Excessive speed= big damage,
Minimum speed= minimum damage.
There have been several container ships and bulk carriers colliding with various objects lately. It seems that the cause has been different in many of them. In this case as you’ve probably already surmised, they were unable to make enough way without the engine running to operate the rudder properly and missed the turn. My guess, knowing the Philippines as I do it is likely lack of maintenance that caused the engine failure for this local operator.