Containership Maersk Cincinnati Knocks Down Quay Crane at Yantian Port
The Singapore-flagged containership Maersk Cincinnati struck a ship-to-shore quay crane while berthing at Yantian port in Shenzhen, southern China, on 9 November. Part of the crane collapsed onto the container yard. Yantian lies on the eastern side of Shenzhen, close to Hong Kong, and is one of China’s busiest container terminals.
The 366-metre ship, built in China in 2024 with a capacity of 15,516 TEU, is reportedly owned by Seaspan and chartered to Maersk. It was on voyage 645W of the NE3 Asia–North Europe service, run under the Gemini Cooperation of Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, with further calls planned at Ningbo, Shanghai and Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia.
From the CrewMirror Blog
Shenzhen’s weather authority had issued a monsoon warning for Yantian and nearby waters at 6:10 a.m. that day, forecasting gusts of force 8 or more. Chinese shipping sources suggest the gusts may have affected the berthing, but no official cause has been given. Maersk and the terminal operator have not commented, and there is no confirmed information on injuries, damage to the ship or cargo, or delays.
It is not the first such case at Yantian: in September 2024 a crane there collapsed onto the MSC Riona, without injuries.
CrewMirror Takeaway
Large boxships have huge windage, and berthing in strong gusts leaves little margin. Masters and pilots should weigh wind limits, tug power and the option to wait before committing to a berth, and crews on deck should stay clear of crane areas during berthing.
