Container ship topples gantry cranes in Kaohsiung

Container ship OOCL Durban (IMO 9567673) struck a gantry crane while proceeding to its berth at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, causing two cranes to collapse.

The vessel first allided with cargo ship YM Constancy (IMO 9864576), which was docked at berth 70 of the OOCL Container Terminal, before OOCL Durban’s accommodation block hit a gantry crane on the quay, causing it to collapse and topple another nearby crane.

The incident occurred at about 11:30 local time on June 3rd. The vessel had arrived from Hong Kong. The cranes collapsed, causing severe damage on the pier, toppling containers, and forcing shoreside workers to flee. One worker was slightly injured and hospitalized, while two crane operators were trapped inside the cranes

The YM Constancy did not suffer serious damage and left the port the same evening, heading for Hong Kong with an ETA of June 4th.

A worker in crane 8 suffered a cut on his arm and was taken to Ruan General Hospital. Two maintenance personnel in crane 6 who were trapped for a while were rescued with no injuries. The value of the two collapsed gantry cranes was estimated at some $20m.

2011-built, Panama-flagged, 87,697 gt OOCL Durban is owned by Sun Lanes Shipping SA care of Nissen Kaiun KK of Imabari, Ehime, Japan. ISM manager is Synergy Maritime Pvt Ltd of Chennai, India. It is entered with North of England Club on behalf of Sun Lanes Shipping S.A.

2021-built, Liberia-flagged, 32,720 gt YM Constancy is owned by All Oceans Transportation Inc care of manager Yang Ming Marine Transport of Keelung City, Taiwan. It is entered with Britannia on behalf of All Oceans Transportation Inc.