Cargo Ship M/V APL Qingdao Loses Control Near Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

On April 5, 2024, a cargo ship experienced propulsion issues near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, prompting the US Coast Guard to react.

The 89,000-ton M/V APL Qingdao reported a loss of propulsion at 8:30 p.m. while transiting the Kill Van Kull waterway between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey.

Despite the tragic incident, the ship did not lose power and was promptly assisted by three towing vessels.

These vessels accompanied the APL Qingdao until it regained propulsion and was safely anchored north of the bridge.

The tragedy occurred less than two weeks after another cargo vessel was involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse.

The Kill Van Kull waterway is a central maritime transportation channel connecting Newark Bay and Upper New York Bay.

The vessel was not permitted to continue its voyage to Charleston, South Carolina until the Coast Guard ordered repairs and certification of the propulsion system.

The APL Qingdao, registered in Malta and owned by the French corporation CMA CGM, was on its way to Norfolk, Virginia, when the tragedy occurred.

The incident sparked new worries about marine safety, particularly in light of the recent tragedy at Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The cargo ship Dali crashed into the bridge in that incident, killing six people and halting all maritime traffic in the Port of Baltimore.

Despite the obstacles caused by the tragedy, Maryland authorities are striving to resume regular operations on the waterway by May.

Reference: Times Now News

Cargo Ship M/V APL Qingdao Loses Control Near Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News