Reviews & Ratings for the Msc-Palak

The MSC Palak has officially resumed its voyage after being released from detention on July 21. The container ship departed from Ngqura at 11:40 p.m., setting course for Las Palmas, with an estimated time of arrival on August 1. Having arrived from Durban on July 12, the vessel began its operations for discharging and loading containers in Ngqura when it encountered severe weather on the night of July 14. This adverse weather caused significant swells in Algoa Bay, leading the MSC Palak to suspend cargo operations and prepare for safe anchorage outside the port. During the short journey to the anchorage, or upon reaching it, some of the container stacks on board collapsed, resulting in a portion of the cargo going overboard. Initial reports indicated that six containers had fallen, but daylight revealed that the loss was significantly higher, with 23 containers confirmed missing, posing a risk to navigation in the area. In response, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) took charge of coordinating the salvage operations alongside various stakeholders. SAMSA conducted aerial surveillance to locate the floating containers and debris, while salvage teams worked diligently to tow the identified items to safer waters, minimizing hazards for passing vessels. The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) provided unwavering support during the salvage operations, ensuring that floating debris was managed properly to protect shipping lanes and surrounding areas. Additionally, MSC committed to taking financial responsibility for any necessary clean-up operations in the bay and adjacent regions for the next five years, if linked to the incident.

On July 14, 2020, the maritime community faced a significant setback when the 'MSC Palak' lost 23 containers overboard while at anchor in the outer Algoa Bay. Originally docked at Ngqura Container Terminal, the vessel was compelled to leave port due to severe swells reaching 3.5 meters, forcing it to endure a storm at anchor. Just before this incident, the 'MSC Palak' had departed at noon on July 13, shortly after a major storm impacted the Cape area, resulting in the closure of the Port of Cape Town, followed by Port Elizabeth and Ngqura as they became windbound. A report from Port Control at 11:37 p.m. on July 14 initially indicated the loss of six containers, but upon dawn on July 15, it was confirmed that 23 containers had been lost. A fishing vessel later discovered these containers drifting approximately seven nautical miles from the site of the incident. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) confirmed that none of the lost cargo was classified as dangerous. Though the Port of Ngqura closed for vessel traffic due to the potential risk posed by the containers that may have sunk in the approach channel, it was clarified that operations could still proceed during daylight hours. Meanwhile, the Port of Port Elizabeth remained operational around the clock. SAMSA is collaborating with the ship owner to retrieve the lost cargo, and MSC has arranged for aerial surveillance to track any containers that might threaten navigation. The public is urged to report any sighted containers to SAMSA as an investigation into this cargo loss gets underway.