A MAERSK-operated boxship is reportedly still under repair after suffering engine failure while crossing the Pacific Ocean earlier this month.
Singaporean-flagged Maersk Saltoro is reportedly managed by Synergy Marine and under Charter to Maersk, which deploys the vessel on its AC3 Far East-South America West Coast service.
Maersk Saltoro was reportedly sailing from San Antonio, Chile, to Nansha, China, when it suffered the engine problem, which is now risking a cargo of Chilean cherries onboard.
Overseas media is reporting the vessel was one of 25 container ships that loaded cherries at the port of San Antonio, and is laden with 1300 containers onboard bearing the fruit.
Chile reportedly recorded a record season, shipping 17,000 containers of cherries, with shipping lines even maintaining a season route known as the Cherry Express for the export of the fruit.
The ship reportedly experienced the engine problems on 13 January, after departing Chile on 27 December last year.
Maersk Saltoro is reportedly a sister ship to Dali, which infamously brought down the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in March last year, with both vessels being managed by Synergy Marine.
Reporting of Maersk Saltoro’s engine problems comes after news emerged that Dali had re-entered service after repairs were completed ahead of schedule.
Fujian Huadong Shipyard in China confirmed that it had completed repairs on Dali, reportedly 10 days ahead of schedule, after the ship arrived in the Port of Fuzhou in November last year to undergo the repairs.
Dali is said to have sailed out of Fujian Huadong Shipyard’s facilities on 12 January, whereupon it re-entered service.
