Update: Tow Operation for Destroyed MOL Comfort Commences

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. released another update on the status of  the containership MOL Comfort. The vessel could not continue sailing under its own power from June 17 because the hull fractured in 2 parts while under way on the Indian Ocean.

The vessel's fore part is located near 15’43”N 69’07”E. The aft part is drifting near 14’03”N 65’30”E in an east-northeast direction. The weather at the site is still adverse.  

Some of the containers were lost, but majority of the cargo are confirmed to be aboard the fore and aft part. Exact numbers were not given.

MOL has contracted a salvage company and are proceeding to rescue the cargo and hulls. The four tugboats arrived at the site on June 24, and have started to tow the fore part toward the Arabian Gulf. Authorities will continue to monitor the aft part and prepare for the tow operation.

No oil film has been found around the fore part. For the aft part, there is oil film, but there is no large volume of oil leakage confirmed.

Safety inspection on sister vessels

We have started an investigation of the causes together with the shipbuilder, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (hereafter MHI). Although the cause of this incident has not been identified yet, MOL, together with MHI and the classification society (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, ClassNK), is arranging inspection of the all six sister vessels as quickly as possible. This inspection is in addition to the one carried out by the crew during navigation. MOL also started operational precautions to reduce the stress on the hull as an interim contingency plan.

The sister vessels are MOL Creation, MOL Charisma, MOL Celebration, MOL Courage, MOL Competence, MOL Commitment.

Please click here to view the vessel schedule changes related to the upgrade works to strengthen hull of MOL Comfort sister vessels. The Long Term Schedule for each service is updated accordingly.