The 366 metre 13396TEU CSCL Jupiter has ran aground after experiencing some issues. A back-up system was kick started but was not powerful enough to steer her around a tight corner  subsequently grounding. She was sailing from Antwerp to Hamburg when the incident happened this morning 14th August. Shortly after grounding some tugs were sent to assist but they were fighting a ebb tide. The operation has halted until a plan was drawn up to free the ultra large ship.

Reports going around has suggested that she suffered rudder failure.

CSCL  Jupiter which sails on the French Asia Line 7 (FAL7) had a draft of 13.7 metres bound for Hamburg and due to Felixstowe on the 21st August. At least 8 tugs have been sent to assist the Jupiter which hopefully will refloat on the next high tide which is around 8pm tonight.

At present some commercial traffic can pass but large shipping has been suspended until further notice.

In the last 2 years there has been the 400 metre 19100TEU CSCL Indian Ocean in February 2016 ran aground on the Elbe River enroute to Hamburg where it took several attempts to refloat her including a spring tide. Her bunkers were removed to lighten her draft and with 12 tugs including x2 120 tonne bollard pull ocean tugs to pull her free.    Also in February 2016 the 368 metre APL Vanda was deliberately ran aground on the Bramble Bank in the Solent near Southampton after she suffered complete loss of power. 8 tugs were successful in pulling her off the sand bank.

Sadly grounding or cargo shifting causing major listing is not a something taken lightly.  With orders for even larger ships insurers are getting twitchy with insuring such vessels. Ship yards in South Korea and China getting orders for even larger ships, incidents like this will happen a lot more often.

Stay tuned for more info when I have it.

I've been Dean Cable and thank you for reading.