Vietnamese court orders detention of Marshall Islands-flagged Aquacharm after Dung Quat wharf collision
The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Aquacharm has been detained under a court order in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, following a collision with a section of a wharf at the dedicated port of the Hoa Phat Dung Quat iron and steel complex, according to the Quang Ngai Maritime Administration.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the administration said it was implementing a ship detention order issued on Wednesday by the People’s Court of Region 2 in Quang Ngai.
The vessel, which carries IMO number 9921609, is owned by Panama-registered Wealth Line Inc, while S&A Maritime JSC acts as its shipping agent in Vietnam, according to the notice.
During the detention period, Aquacharm is prohibited from leaving the port waters under the administration’s jurisdiction and must remain at its designated anchorage, the administration said.
The captain must ensure that the vessel retains a full crew and maintains watches in accordance with regulations.
The ship must also comply with maritime safety and security requirements and take measures to prevent environmental pollution while at anchor.
The administration has instructed the captain and relevant parties to comply with the court order and its notice, which has been sent to Quang Ngai authorities, the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration, the court, and the Coast Guard Region 2 Command.
The Aquacharm bulk carrier, which has been detained under a court order in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, following its collision with a wharf at the dedicated port of the Hoa Phat Dung Quat iron and steel complex in the province. Photo: T.D. / Tuoi Tre
The notice has also been delivered to Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel JSC, the operator of the Hoa Phat Dung Quat iron and steel complex, among other agencies.
The detention order follows an incident on October 18, when the 292-meter-long Aquacharm, which was carrying 170,856 metric tons of iron ore from Australia to Dung Quat, collided with the structure near wharf No. 10 of the port.
The collision occurred at a 50-meter extension connecting wharves No. 10 and No. 11. The extension has yet to be put into operation.
According to a report from Dung Quat Border Guard Station, the impact tore a roughly five-meter gash in the ship’s bow and damaged both its port and starboard sides.
The wharf was also damaged, with the extent of the damage awaiting assessment.
All 22 crew members aboard Aquacharm were safe after the incident.
The vessel did not sink, and no oil spill had been recorded, the border guard station said.
The cause of the collision and the responsibilities of the parties involved remain under investigation.
Vinh Tho - Tran Mai / Tuoi Tre News