Another Boxship Giant Refloated after Grounding in Europe

Royal Dirkzwager Mega-containership APL Vanda ran aground at Bramble Bank, in Southampton Water, the UK, following a loss of power on Saturday evening, February 13th. The UK Maritime and Coastguard agency said that the ships captain executed a controlled grounding after the power outage. Port of Southampton Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) sent eight tugs to assist the huge containership, owned by APL, that was grounded at the same site as the ill-fated car carrier Höegh Osaka. There was no damage to the ship or pollution reported at the site, the Coastguard said. The container ship was refloated in the early morning on Sunday and moved to deeper waters so as to be inspected for damages. As there were no major damages sustained, the boxship made its way to its berth under its own steam, with the tugs as escort. The boxship was on its way from Le Harve, France to the Port of Southampton when it got stuck on Bramble Bank. World Maritime News Staff