UPDATE: LNG Tanker Al Gharrafa Collides with Boxship in Malacca Strait

Q-Flex LNG carrier Al Gharrafa, operated by OSG Ship Management (UK) Ltd, and boxship Hanjin Italy collided in the morning of December 28, 2013 in the Malacca Strait between Batam and Singapore.

Both ships have been damaged. The boxship suffered damage to the starboard side in the middle area and the LNG tanker suffered bow damage.

“Currently, Al Gharrafa is safely anchored near Singapore. Inspections of the Al Gharrafa confirmed that damage is limited to the forepeak, forecastle store area and the bulbous bow.

Options are being reviewed for repair of the vessel following discharge of cargo with safety and protection of the environment remaining our primary focus,” OSG Ship Management said in a statement on Wednesday.

Al Gharrafa, carrying full cargo for Tepco’s Futtsu LNG terminal in Japan, had sailed from Ras Laffan on December 19.

LNG World News Staff; Image: OSG Ship Management