Foreign Vessel Arrested After Colliding with Dung Quat Jetty

On October 22, the Quang Ngai Maritime Administration announced the execution of an arrest order against the vessel AQUACHARM, a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier transporting over 170,000 metric tons of iron ore. The detention order was issued on October 21 by the Regional People’s Court 2 – Quang Ngai to resolve a civil claim.

Earlier, the ship carried 170,586 metric tons of iron ore from Port Hedland, Australia, to Dung Quat, manned by a crew of 22 Filipino, South Korean, and Japanese nationals. On October 14, the vessel completed entry procedures and was assisted into port by three tugboats.

At approximately 12:45 PM on October 18, the vessel collided with the dedicated Hoa Phat Dung Quat jetty while being towed into Berth No. 10. The incident resulted in no casualties or oil spills, but left a 5-meter tear in the ship’s bow and scrapes along both flanks. The jetty also sustained structural damage and is currently awaiting damage assessment.

The ship’s bow suffered a 5-meter tear following the impact at the Dung Quat jetty. 

According to preliminary reports from the shipping agency and the captain, the incident may be linked to the maritime pilot failing to control the ship’s speed due to a communication breakdown, despite speed status being reported repeatedly. Authorities are actively establishing the exact cause.

Mr. Le Van Luong, Director of the Quang Ngai Maritime Administration, stated that during the detention period, the vessel is prohibited from departing the port waters under the administration’s jurisdiction. The ship must maintain a full crew complement and ensure proper watchkeeping duties.

Under Article 129 of the Vietnam Maritime Code, the regional court holding jurisdiction over the port or berth where the vessel operates may order the arrest of a ship to guarantee the settlement of claims, enforce civil judgments, or fulfill mutual legal assistance. The ruling is transmitted to the maritime administration for execution. In the absence of a court order, maritime authorities are restricted to holding a vessel for a maximum of 5 days post-accident.

The vessel berthed at the Dung Quat jetty. 

In this case, Hoa Phat represents the damaged party suffering losses from the structural harm to the jetty and related damages, and serves as the petitioner requesting the vessel’s arrest. The enterprise advanced over 2 billion VND to the court, covering security guarantees and ship arrest fees.

Source: vnexpress.net