MOL Express Pulled Free by Tugs

Published Jan 14, 2015 4:38 PM by The Maritime Executive

The MOL Express, which ran aground in shallow water off Japan last Sunday, was pulled free by tugboats on Wednesday morning.

Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) reports that as soon as the necessary inspections, including an underwater survey, are completed and seaworthiness is confirmed by the classification society, the vessel will proceed to the Port of Tokyo to begin its cargo operation.

The MOL-operated container ship ran aground in shallow water in Tateyama Harbor, Chiba Prefecture, at about 19:00 JST on January 11, 2015.

The ship was to undergo repairs on its main engines and was maneuvering to an anchoring area within the harbor.

The 2003-built, Hong Kong-flagged 4,600 teu container ship is owned by an affiliate of Seaspan Corporation (Canada). The MOL Express can accommodate a crew of 25.