MAERSK SHEKOU

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Container ship undergoing temporary repairs

The 'Maersk Shekou' was undergoing temporary repairs before its departure to Port Klang in Fremantle, but was approved to commence loading and unloading from the afternoon of Aug 30 at the North Quay. The ship’s anticipated departure for Port Klang was yet to be determined and required prior approval from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Fremantle Ports. The container ship was the subject of an underwater hull inspection on Sep 2. MEanwhile Fremantle Ports iwas working with the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation to provide safe access to the 'Leeuwin', so damaged spars and rigging can be removed or secured before the ship can be moved. An inspection of the 'Leeuwin' was conducted by Leeuwin staff on Aug 31, with no underwater damage identified, and the vessel’s watertight compartments secured. The vessel was under close supervision and currently remains at its home berth at the Victoria Quay. Both of the injured night watch crew members who were aboard the 'Leeuwin' when the incident happened were recovering well. Regular port operations in the Inner Harbour had resumed on the evening of Aug 30 after it was determined that there were no underwater obstructions or debris. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has started its investigation. Concerning the Maritime Museum roof, engineers conducted an early inspection on Aug 30 and determined that the damage to the roof was not structural but only to the cladding.

Container ship damaged in accident

Two sailors who were injured aboard the 'Leeuwin 2' when it was struck on Aug 30 have since been released from hospital. The sailors were below deck when the ship hit with the sailing vessel and their injuries happened as they scrambled to safety. The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation chair and former South Australian premier Jay Weatherill said on Aug 31 the captain was able to board the ship and survey the damage. While it was too early to determine fully the extent of the damage, it appeared the hull was intact but there was catastrophic damage to the rigging, masts, spars and equipment on deck. The 'Maersk Shekou', which was being guided to its berth by two harbour pilots and four tugs, also struck the portside Western Australian Maritime Museum and an adjacent pier, causing damage to both. The bow struck the 'Leeuwin' and the vessel's stern hit a berth and the museum roof and suffered damage to its starboard side stern, which was breached. Fremantle Ports, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau were investigating the incident. The vessel remained stationary in port as of Sep 2. Reports and photos: https://www.mandurahmail.com.au/story/8748736/injured-sailors-released-from-hospital-after-ship-crash/ https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/gallery?category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3752409?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest

Container ship dismasted sail training ship

On Aug 30, 2024, at about 6.15 a.m. the 'Maersk Shekou', while entering Fremantle’s inner harbour en route from Adelaide, struck and demasted the STS 'Leeuwin 2' (IMO: 8510855), which was berthed at the Victoria Quay, and also hit the nearby WA Maritime Museum. The tall ship was left with broken masts and debris strewn across the waterway. It was not known how much repairs will cost or how long it will take but it is hoped the vessel’s hull was largely spared any damage and was intact.Two crew members aged aged in their 20s and 60s were aboard the 'Leeuwin 2' at the time and were taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The men were sleeping and suffered the injuries as they escaped the ship. The container ship had two pilots on board and was assisted by four tugs. The bow of the container vessel struck the 'Leeuwin', and the stern has made a slight impact with the Maritime Museum. The 'Maersk Shekou' suffered a huge gash on its starboard side stern. Recent weather conditions including strong gusts may have contributed to the incident. Structural engineers were reviewing the Maritime Museum’s structural integrity and ensuring that it’s safe before allowing people back in the afternoon.The inner harbour was recently closed to marine traffic for safety reasons due to bad weather and was only reopened on the morning of Aug 25. Reports with photos: https://fremantleshippingnews.com.au/2024/08/30/leeuwin-demasted-crew-injured-maritime-museum-struck-by-maersk-shekou/ https://splash247.com/maersk-vessel-takes-out-tall-ship-and-hits-museum-while-entering-fremantle/ https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/leeuwin-tall-ship-crushed-by-container-ship-in-fremantle-port-c-15881822