Cargo Ship Carrying Artillery Shells Stuck In Vigo After Containers Break Loose

The German-owned freighter HC Eva Marie, carrying artillery shells from Jordan to Germany, remains docked at the Port of Vigo, Spain, after experiencing a cargo shift caused by Storm Eowyn.

The vessel sought refuge at the port after waves exceeding 10 meters made navigation unsafe, with another storm, Herminia, approaching.

The 11,000 dwt tween-decker, built in 2007 and flagged in Antigua, was transporting 96 containers when nine broke loose, suffering external structural damage.

An initial inspection was conducted on February 1 by an expert from the loading company, the ship’s captain, and security personnel, along with representatives from the consignee and the Port Authority’s Security Division.

Officials confirmed that the artillery shells inside the damaged containers were intact and securely packed within protective boxes. The cargo was stowed following international safety standards and was not at risk of being compromised.

Due to the nature of the ship’s cargo, the Vigo Port Authority (APV) assigned it a berth at the dangerous goods pier. The area has been under 24-hour security surveillance, monitored by Port Police, Civil Guard, and private security personnel since hours before the vessel’s arrival.

A coordination meeting was held at the central offices in Praza da Estrela, attended by all involved parties, including the ship’s consignee, stevedoring company, Maritime Authority, Civil Guard, APV, and the loading company representative.

Authorities stated that the vessel entered Vigo as the safest option to avoid further damage and potential cargo loss at sea. They said that there was no risk to people or port infrastructure at any time.

The cargo company is currently working on a safety plan for removing and securing the damaged containers, which is being reviewed and validated by all necessary authorities. The plan involves:

• Moving undamaged containers to another hold to isolate the affected ones.
• Inspection of the damaged containers by specialists in handling dangerous goods, who will arrive in Vigo within hours.
• Transferring cargo from damaged containers into pre-prepared empty containers, all done on board the ship without unloading merchandise onto the dock.
• Ensuring all containers are properly secured and lashed before departure.

Authorities confirmed that the mandatory risk analyses were conducted to ensure compliance with regulations and to maintain the safety of the crew, infrastructure and vessel.

Reference: Port of Vigo

Source: Maritime Shipping News