A Tufton Oceanic Assets vessel was in collision with a tanker on a busy stretch of the Parana River in Argentina.
The incident involved UK shipowner’s 38,800-dwt open hatch bulk carrier Mai Tai (built 2015) and a small clean product tanker controlled by Argentina’s National Shipping, according to a news report by local news site SL24.
The bulker and the 4,500-dwt tanker Alberto V (built 2017) were near kilometre 140 of the river, near the major grain port of Rosario, when they grazed each other as they passed.
There were no injuries to either vessel and there are no reports of pollution, Tufton spokesman Martin Baxendale told TradeWinds.
Both vessels are stable, he said.
A source with knowledge of the collision said both vessels suffered damage to their hulls.
He said details of the damage and repair work needed are being investigated.
SL24 reported that the vessels have been moved to kilometre 168 for inspection by the Argentine navy.
A source with knowledge of the incident told TradeWinds that it is possible that repairs can be carried out afloat.
Ownership of the Liberian-flag Mai Tai is not known, although shipping databases list its manager as Bernhard Schulte which did not immediately respond to TradeWinds’ request for comment.
The Alberto V flies the Argentine flag. A representative of National Shipping, a Buenos Aires-based owner of tankers, tugs and barges, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Both ships are insured by Steamship Mutual and classed by Lloyd’s Register, according to Clarksons’ Shipping Intelligence Network.
