The Emma Maersk containership, berthed at the Suez Canal Container Terminal took on water into the engine room and lost power on Friday night near the Northern entrance of the Suez Canal.
The vessel was about to enter the south bound convoy through the Suez Canal when the accident occurred. The 15,500 TEU Emma Maersk is one of the largest container vessels in the world.
On a Maersk Line Facebook page the company confirmed that the vessel experienced mechanical problems but that the ship was not in danger of sinking.
“We can confirm that our container vessel Emma Maersk has been facing mechanical problems at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal. She is now berthed in Port Said East SCCT in Egypt where she’s being discharged. All crew members are safe.”
It is also reported that the ship was not able to sail on itsown and that the trip was canceled. Engineers and divers will investigate the cause of the leakage and engine failure.
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World Maritime News Staff, February 4, 2013; Image: Maersk Line