The update as of the 5th of Jan 2019 on the MSC Zoe containers going overboard is that the ship which is currently berthed at the port of Bremerhaven is relatively undamaged from the incident and is operational..
MSC reported that their surveyors are coordinating with the terminal operators and after clearance from the port authorities, commenced the discharge of containers on the 4th of January 2019..
Depending on the length of the operation, MSC will decide in the coming days, whether the ship will sail on with the cargo on board, or there will be some transhipment of the cargo to another vessel in Bremerhaven..
As per their press release, MSC is in the process of compiling a detailed summary of the numbers of lost or damaged containers and have committed to communicate this to the customers in the coming days..
The press release added
This was a significant incident and we appreciate the support of our customers. In return, MSC will strive to account for lost or damaged cargo, and deliver the cargo in thousands of containers which remain in good condition, as quickly as possible.
We are also continuing to update the public in the Netherlands and Germany via the media on the progress of the clean-up operation on the coastlines and in the waters of these countries.
MSC will ensure that customers who seek further information receive direct communications in the coming days.
Is General Average law applicable in this incident?
Hi Ajayi, as per the definition of General Average, it may be applied
In this case of MSC Zoe, the loss was caused due to natural disaster and not influenced by man.. Therefore in this case, it should not apply.. The line may take the option of declaring “Force Majeure”..
As per Steamship Mutual,