Reviews & Ratings for the Maersk-Batur

On January 29, 2020, the container ship 'Maersk Batur' encountered significant engine difficulties shortly after departing from Algeciras, Spain, destined for Newark, USA. While navigating the Strait of Gibraltar, the vessel experienced a complete engine breakdown. The ship's captain promptly requested tug assistance, leading to a swift response from the Dutch tug 'ALP Guard' (IMO: 9398539) and Salvamento Marítimo's 'SAR Mastelero' (IMO: 9525730). On January 30, at around 1 p.m., a team of local tugs, including 'VB Algeciras', 'VB Andalucia', 'VB Simun', and 'VB Siroco', successfully towed the 'Maersk Batur' back to port. By 1:20 p.m., the vessel was safely berthed at the Dique de Abrigo Ingeniero, marking the end of a challenging situation for the crew and maritime responders.

In an extraordinary display of maritime bravery, the 'Maersk Batur' successfully rescued three South American fishermen who had been adrift in the Pacific Ocean for nearly two weeks following a devastating pirate attack. The harrowing ordeal began on June 1, 2015, when the fishermen embarked from Cabo de San Lorenzo, fully prepared for their journey with sufficient provisions to return to Malpelo. However, just two days into their voyage, their luck turned dire. On the evening of June 3, they fell victim to a heavily armed group of pirates who ruthlessly stole their outboard motors and all fuel supplies, leaving them stranded and unable to navigate or communicate. As their skiff drifted aimlessly further into the ocean, the trio faced a dire survival situation, struggling to ration their limited food while fishing for sustenance. With no rain to replenish their water supplies, they were acutely aware that time was running out. After enduring 12 grueling days adrift, having covered a staggering 570 nautical miles from their last known position, hope flickered when the 'Maersk Batur' was en route to Auckland from Balboa, Panama. On June 15 at 11:10 a.m., an alert bridge officer observed a small boat in distress, with crew members signaling for help. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the officer promptly initiated a rescue operation. The crew of the 'Maersk Batur' sprang into action, skillfully maneuvering the vessel to position it alongside the stranded skiff. In less than an hour, the exhausted fishermen were safely onboard, grateful for a hearty meal and a chance to rest after their harrowing ordeal. They were able to contact their families, sharing the joyful news of their safe return. Upon arrival in Auckland on June 30, Maersk Line staff warmly greeted the fishermen before their flights back to Ecuador, marking a triumphant end to a terrifying chapter at sea. This rescue operation stands as a powerful testament to the courage and dedication of the maritime community. For more stories and images, visit the full report at [Maersk Line](http://maersklinesocial.com/maersk-batur-saves-fishermen-lost-at-sea/#sthash.jBwe6Fbd.dpuf).

A maritime incident unfolded in Otago Harbour when the container ship Maersk Batur experienced a power failure, prompting a swift response from port authorities. On its departure from Port Chalmers, the 223-meter vessel lost power, which nearly led to a collision with a sandbank in the shipping channel. On April 12, 2023, Port Otago's tugs, Otago and Rangi, were called back to assist the stricken Maersk Batur, ensuring it was safely towed to deeper waters. Following the mandatory regulations, the incident was reported to key authorities including Maritime New Zealand (MNZ), the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC), and the local harbour master. Notably, since February, MNZ has paused its monthly incident summary publications due to ongoing privacy concerns. This near miss came to light during a parliamentary session when Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee revealed a report on 50 ship-related incidents to Green Party MP Gareth Hughes. Hughes criticized the Government for minimizing the significance of recent maritime issues, especially in the wake of the infamous grounding of the Rena container ship and the extensive oil clean-up operation that followed. In a slightly related incident, a different vessel, a 177-meter cargo ship registered in Singapore, grounded near New Plymouth in May, only to have its captain report the occurrence five days later. Despite the alarming circumstances, Maersk Batur's situation did not escalate to a similar scale. Upon reviewing the incident, Maersk NZ operations manager Stuart Jennings noted a ‘fuel flow failure’ as the culprit behind the power loss that led to the emergency procedures. The vessel's master promptly anchored the ship to restart the engine, which was achieved in a matter of minutes. Jennings emphasized that safety protocols were effectively followed and there was ultimately no imminent danger. The Singapore-registered Maersk Batur, weighing over 43,000 tonnes, is a familiar sight at Port Chalmers, where Maersk is recognized as the largest customer. In light of this incident, Port Otago chief executive Geoff Plunket confirmed that the Otago Regional Council, which fully owns Port Otago, was informed following the required reporting to the relevant authorities. Despite the initial concerns, it was determined that no formal investigation would take place by these agencies, as Port Otago's internal review revealed ‘no issues’ with operations. Furthermore, Plunket clarified that although tugs Otago and Rangi had left the Maersk Batur upon completion of their initial duties, they were able to return immediately to support towing efforts. The MNZ incident report indicated that with a pilot on board, Maersk Batur encountered a ‘temporary power failure’, causing it to veer towards the channel edge, but quick action by the tug boats ensured the vessel was safely relocated into deeper water. The investigation concluded that the cause of the incident was related to a malfunctioning fuel flow meter, which caused the main engine and generator to stall momentarily. Remarkably, Plunket assured that there had been no significant incidents involving navigation markers or channel obstructions in Otago Harbour over the last two years. In light of this, MNZ conducted a port state control inspection of Maersk Batur in Tauranga, followed by a diver's evaluation in Auckland, which resulted in no damage findings.