STAR SHIPPING VESSEL TAKES OUT CONTAINER CRANE IN PORT OF BALTIMORE

STAR SHIPPING VESSEL TAKES OUT CONTAINER CRANE IN PORT OF BALTIMORE    A cargo ship operated by Star Shipping hit a terminal in the Port of Baltimore late Friday knocking down a 750-ton container crane.
   The 'Star Hosanger' was en route to Baltimore from Brazil with a load of wood pulp and lumber. While the vessel was turning to enter Berth 3 at the Dundulk Marine Terminal, the Coast Guard believes it temporarily lost power and struck Berth 7.
   There were no reports of injuries or cargo damage on the berth. “We’re still evaluating the damage to the pier,” a Maryland Port Administration spokesman said. “The crane itself was a total loss.”
   The toppled container crane was one of 20 in the Port of Baltimore. The crane was built in the 1970s. The MPA spokesman said the loss of the crane would have “minimal” impact on the port’s overall container operations.
   The 653-foot 'Star Hosanger,' owned and operated by Bergen, Norway-based Star Shipping AS, also sustained some damage. But the vessel was able to discharge its cargo at Berth 3 without problems on Saturday.
   MPA and Coast Guard officials said the incident is still under investigation.