Chinese Port Rejects Japanese Vessel with Abnormal Radiation Levels

Last week in Xiamen, a Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. Vessel sailing from Japan was detected to have abnormal amounts of radiation on the decks and surface of containers upon inspection according to the Xiamen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.

The contaminated ship, the MOL Presence,  had passed 67 nautical miles off of Japan’s prefecture of Fukushima, part of nuclear-power station Daiichi that has been crippled by the recent disasters.  Authorities also assured that the crew areas did not harness above-average levels. 

The MOL Presence is headed back to Japan after being rejected by Chinese officials, and is expected at the port of Kobe on March 30th.  

The berth used at Xiamen before leaving has been contaminated, Xiamen port bureau reported.  The Chinese government has banned imports of dairy, fruit, vegetables, seafood and other “water products” from multiple areas near Fukushima.  They have also quarantined 2 Japanese travellers from Tokyo who authorities detected to have high radiation levels. 

Spokespeople for the Tokyo-based Mitsui, as well as officials for the Port of Kobe have both declined to comment on the situation.