Containerships collide near entrance to Suez Canal

Hapag-Lloyd says ships continue on, but agent says Suez Canal convoys disrupted by collision with Maersk ships.    Two containerships collided near the entrance of the Suez Canal at Port Said Monday morning.
   Hapag-Lloyd reports that its ship, the 8,750-TEU Colombo Express, collided with the 8,112-TEU Maersk Tanjong.
   Hapag-Lloyd said, “According to preliminary findings, there are no injuries, and no damage has been done to the environment. Both vessels were able to continue on. The exact course of events is currently being investigated.”
   A Maersk spokesman said the company will not comment or speculate on the reason for the accident. He added that the Maersk Tanjong has resumed its voyage.
   NewsflareBreaking posted a video of the incident that can be viewed on YouTube.

   The Port Said office of Inchcape Shipping Services said, “The incident occurred when the Maersk Tanjong was clearing the Suez Canal Container terminal to join the second convoy, whilst the Colombo Express was already proceeding through the convoy at the same point.”
   It said the Colombo Express lost three containers, and the impact left a 20-meter dent on its left side.
   “The incident has severely interrupted the second southbound convoy, and the northbound convoy is, therefore, expected to delay,” said Inchcape. “The Suez Canal Authority is currently trying to pick up the dropped containers from the eastern channel, and both vessels will be moored at the canal lakes until the required investigations, paper work and maintenance have been completed.”