Taiwan’s Maritime Port Bureau has warned Norwegian marine insurer Hydor that it could be blacklisted, alleging that the latter has failed to help facilitate the clean-up resulting from the sinking of container ship Angel on 21 July.
The vessel was loaded with 1,349 containers, and when it sank outside Kaohsiung port, 776 boxes were submerged with the ship and 160 containers sank after floating. In all, 216 containers were promptly recovered and taken to various Taiwanese ports, while 87 boxes sank while being towed. Another 110 containers were beached near Kaohisung. Retrieving the drifting containers was hampered by Typhoon Doksuri.
MPB emphasized that after Angel sank, Taiwan International Ports Corporation, Taiwan Coast Guard, Ocean Conservation Administration, and the Fisheries Agency, were fully involved in the response processes.
The bureau alleged that Hydor did not come forward to deal with the fallout, which affected fishermen’s livelihoods as the containers drifted to other parts of Taiwan, presenting navigational hazards.
MPB claimed that after a stern request, Hydor’s representative participated in an emergency meeting, but asserted that it did not provide any valid insurance cover to Angel.
Container News’ checks of Hydor’s website did not turn up Angel among the insurer’s covered ships.
MPB pointed out that there was a need to clarify Hydor’s relationship with the sunken vessel, as well as its related obligations. In the meanwhile, the resulting oil slicks, drifting containers and fishermen’s monetary losses should be resolved.
With Hydor on the warning list, its insured vessels would need to have their coverage reviewed by Taiwanese authorities before being allowed into Taiwanese ports. Should Hydor be blacklisted, all its insured ships will be barred from Taiwan.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
