IN A BLOW to peak-season shipments the 7024 TEU Evergreen Marine containership Ever Smart is returning to Asia after making it all the way to waters off Queensland on its southbound voyage in the NEAX service.
In a notice to shippers, copied to DCN, Evergreen Shipping Agency (Australia) advised the 75,246 GT, 2006-built, UK-flag vessel on voyage 0144S/N encountered an unexpected mechanical issue which cannot be rectified in Australia; the subject vessel must be relocated to Asia for comprehensive repairs.
“Consequently, the vessel’s Northbound voyage will be cancelled and any export bookings will be transferred to the next NEAX sailing,” the agents said.
“With regard to cargo remaining on board for the Southbound leg, Evergreen Line will arrange for delivery to the respective intended destinations once the vessel’s mechanical issue has been resolved and operations can safely resume.”
The ship’s normal port rotation is Busan-Qingdao-Shanghai-Ningbo-Yantian-Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane and on this voyage it also called Hong Kong after Yantian. It was due Sydney 26 September, Melbourne 28 September and Brisbane 3 October.
On Friday [25 September] DCN observed Ever Smart turn around off the Queensland coast and head north. This afternoon AIS shows the ship in the Solomon Sea off Papua New Guinea, sailing at 11 knots, and showing destination Kaohsiung on 13 October.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority earlier today confirmed the change of direction, which it understood to be due to “some maintenance”.
Evergreen Agency said “We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding.
“This notice is issued without prejudice to any and all rights and defenses that the Carrier, the Vessel, her owners, operators, charterers, managers and agents may have under applicable Laws, Rules, Regulations, the terms and conditions of Carrier’s Bill(s) of Lading. Nothing herein shall be construed as waiver, estoppel or admission of any liability.”
The NEAX service is operated by Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, HMM and ONE. Evergreen supplies Ever Smart and sister Ever Superb, Hapag the 5466 TEU Wide Juliet, HMM the 5023 TEU HMM Paramount and the 6763 TEU Hyundai Shanghai and ONE the 6350 TEU Brighton and the 7883 TEU newbuild Navios Turquoise.