The maritime sector encountered a significant setback as the containership ONE Orpheus, operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE), faced a series of unfortunate events, resulting in the suspension of its operations. This vessel, boasting a deadweight tonnage of 104,525, experienced distress after an incident in the Suez Canal early in the month.
The Incident and Delayed Repairs
On December 6, ONE Orpheus, a 1,102-foot (336-meter) containership constructed in 2008 and managed by NYK for ONE, lost navigation control and grounded in the Suez Canal, colliding with a floating bridge. Subsequent inspections revealed significant damage to the starboard hull above the waterline, as outlined in a casualty report by claims consultant WK Webster.
Initial delays in completing repairs were attributed to adverse weather conditions in Egypt. Despite these challenges, repair efforts were eventually concluded, and the ship departed from Egypt on December 17. Originally slated to arrive in Rotterdam by December 26, the voyage was unexpectedly cancelled without providing a detailed explanation.
Unexpected Obstacles and Voyage Termination
Mere days after leaving Egypt, ONE notified customers of the vessel’s need for “additional urgent repair,” leading to the termination of the trip in Piraeus, Greece. Laden containers were unloaded at the Greek terminal between December 20 and December 23, while ONE organized the transshipment of containers from Greece to their final destinations.
The vessel, currently anchored north of Canakkale, Turkey, is reportedly destined for dry dock to undergo the necessary repairs resulting from the Suez Canal incident.
Implications for Shippers: General Average Apprehensions
WK Webster, the claims consultant, expressed concerns about the potential invocation of General Average, given the decision to take the ship out of service for repairs. Shippers may find themselves obligated to post security before gaining access to their containers, introducing an additional layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.
The reported cause of the grounding, as stated by the Suez Canal Authority, attributes it to problems with the vessel’s rudder, leading to steering failure. However, further investigations are deemed necessary to comprehensively understand the incident.
As the maritime community keenly observes unfolding events, the ONE Orpheus incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the shipping industry. It underscores the critical importance of robust contingency plans to mitigate the impact of unforeseen challenges, ensuring the resilience and adaptability of maritime operations in the face of adversity.