MAERSK's 4,650-TEU Hong Kong-flagged Safmarine Meru has collided with the Liberian-flagged 8,400-TEU Northern Jasper, owned by Hamburg-based Norddeutsche Reederei NAV some 120 nautical miles east of Ningbo.
The collision caused severe damage to the Safmarine Meru, which was on its way from Qingdao, said a Maersk statement, adding that when fire broke out, the Safmarine Meru's 22-man crew abandoned ship. No one was hurt.
"We are very relieved that our crew are safe and have not suffered any serious injuries. The safety of our people, at sea and on shore, is paramount to us," said Maersk's ship management chief Palle Brodsgaard Laursen.
Safmarine Meru is afloat and anchored. Firefighting was initiated and while there is no visible fire, there is smoke and firefighting continues. The Chinese authorities are on the scene.
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