Delivery of newbuild box ship delayed

Iceland based operator Eimskip reports that it faces a delay in the delivery of the first of two 2,150 TEU container vessels – Bruarfoss and Dettifoss — it has under construction in China (see earlier story).

Eimskip says that the construction of the first vessel, Bruarfoss, was well under way with sea trials originally scheduled for this week.

Then something went wrong.

“During preparation for the sea trial a technical incident occurred which will delay the delivery of that vessel, as the shaft generator was damaged during testing,” says Eimskip. “The shaft generator is made in Europe and a new generator will have to be built and installed to the vessel which is a technically complex task. As a result, it is estimated that the delivery of the vessel will be delayed by six to eight months.”

The delivery of the second vessel, Dettifoss, is expected to take place late in first quarter 2020.

The two newbuildings are part of the vessel sharing cooperation with Royal Arctic Line. The delay will affect the start of the cooperation, with the companies now looking for it commence in the second rather then the first quarter of 2020. This will be achieved by exploring the possibility of chartering a vessel to temporarily replace Bruarfoss.

Eimskip says the cost of a new shaft generator is not its responsibility and that it will begin discussions with the shipyard to evaluate its next steps, including compensation for late delivery as defined in shipbuilding contracts.