Maersk ship hits and topples crane at Yantian port

A Maersk-operated containership struck and brought down a quay crane while approaching its berth at Yantian port in China on November 9. The accident happened at around noon at berth 12 of the Shenzhen terminal and involved the 15,516-TEU Maersk Cincinnati. The incident was reported by Splash 247 .

The 366-m vessel hit the crane during berthing, causing it to collapse towards the container yard. Photos and videos shared on Chinese social media show large sections of the structure lying beside the ship.

There are no confirmed reports of injuries. The full extent of the damage and its impact on terminal operations remain unknown.

Strong winds may have contributed to the accident. Local authorities had issued a monsoon warning early that morning, forecasting gusts of force 8 or higher in Yantian and nearby waters. However, the exact cause has not been established.

The Singapore-flagged Maersk Cincinnati, built in 2024, was serving the Gemini Cooperation's Asia–North Europe NE3 route. The ship remained alongside on November 10, although it had been scheduled to leave for Ningbo and Shanghai on November 11.

Yantian experienced a similar accident in September 2024, when a quay crane fell onto the 1,730-TEU MSC Riona. That incident temporarily stopped terminal operations, but no injuries were reported.

 

Picture: WeChat