A German-managed containership has been freed from arrest in Greece following a collision that left a naval minesweeper in two pieces.
Manager John T Essberger said the 4,405-teu Maersk Launceston (built 2005) has resumed its voyage from Piraeus following the accident involving Greece's Kallisto on 27 October.
"Prior to meeting the directives of the authorities in order to lift the arrest, Maersk Launceston successfully passed a last port state control inspection," Essberger added.
"Fully seaworthy and under the command of a replacement master, the vessel is now on its way to the port of Algeciras, Spain."
The exact cause of the incident is yet unknown, the manager said.
An investigation, to which Essberger continues to offer its cooperation, remains ongoing.
Master released
The Polish captain of the boxship was arrested after the collision.
At the start of November, he was released from custody.
Essberger has described this as "temporary".
The Greek coast guard said the master was held over alleged violations of the Greek penal code and of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
Breathalyser tests on both sets of ship officers were negative.
Two Kallisto crew members suffered minor injuries in the incident.
Maersk Launceston sustained very minor damage.
The vessel, chartered by AP Moller-Maersk and with 22 crew on board, was bound for Canakkale in Turkey at the time.
Maersk Launceston, which has insurance cover with the UK P&I Club, has one port-state-control detention on its record.
The ship was held in Brisbane, Australia, in July last year with two deficiencies relating to lashing material and the International Safety Management Code.
