Update: MOL Express Breaks Free

MOL-operated containership MOL Express that ran aground in shallow water in Tateyama Harbor, Chiba Prefecture on January 11, 2015 has been refloated with the assistance of tugs, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines informed.

According to the update, as soon as the necessary inspections, including an underwater survey, will be completed and seaworthiness confirmed by the classification society, the MOL Express will proceed to the Port of Tokyo to begin her cargo operation.

The 4,600-TEU containership, built in 2003, was chartered from an overseas shipowner, an affiliate of Seaspan Corporation from Canada.

The ship was to undergo repairs on its main engines and was maneuvering to an anchoring area within the harbor when the grounding occurred.

“No crewmembers have been injured, and no oil leakage has been confirmed,” MOL said earlier.

The Hong Kong-flagged containership’s crew is manned by 25 seafarers.