Container ship MTT Singapore (IMO 9131060), which was heading toward India’s inland port near Kolkata, has grounded on the river bank near a local tourist centre.
It was proceeding along the Hooghly River with a pilot aboard when the ministry reports it experienced a “steering failure.”
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways reported that there were no injuries, but the ship became stuck in the river mud.
The 10,300 dwt, 653 teu MTT Singapore operates as part of the regional service from MTT Shipping of Malaysia. The 27-year-old vessel has a capacity of 653 TEU although the ministry reported that only 338 containers were currently aboard. The vessel has a crew of 20 from the Philippines and Malaysia and is registered in Malaysia.
The vessel was heading inbound toward the port, which is in eastern India near the border with Bangladesh.
The ministry reported that it ordered the master to ensure that the lashing on all the containers were secure in order to guarantee that none of the boxes went overboard. No oil spill had been observed and tugs were dispatched to aid in the refloating, which was expected to take place at high tide either Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
1996-built, Malaysia-flagged, 8,276 gt MTT Singapore is owned by MTT Shipping Kuantan Sdn Bhd of Selangor, Malaysia. It is entered with Shipowners’ Club.