MOL operated containership runs aground

Japanese Youtuber caught this image of grounded containership

JANUARY 13, 2015 — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. reported yesterday that the 4,600 TEU MOL-operated containership MOL Express, on charter from Seaspan Corporation, ran aground in shallow water in Tateyama Harbor, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, at about 19:00 JST on January 11, 2015.

The ship was to undergo repairs on its main engines and was maneuvering to an anchoring area within the harbor.
As of 12:00 on January 12, the hull was in a stable condition, no crew members had been injured, and no oil leakage had been confirmed.

Seaspan Corporation said today that all preliminary reports indicate the hull is in a stable condition, and no environmental damage has occurred.

“Seaspan and MOL, with the assistance of salvage experts, are working on refloating the vessel and restoring it to its original condition,” said a statement. “All parties involved are working closely with the appropriate authorities.”

The statement says that the vessel is managed by Seaspan Corporation, and is owned by Greater China Intermodal Investments LLC, a joint-venture between the Seaspan Corporation, the Carlyle Group, and affiliates of the Washington family and Tiger Group Investments.