Container Gantry Crane Brought Down By Departing Ship [Valencia, Spain – 13 September 2020]

Posted by admin on Sep 13, 2020 in Bulletins

From a friend in Europe, we understand that yet another container gantry crane was hit by a vessel undertow and departing a berth. 

Earlier this morning (approximately 9:00 AM local time) at the Port of Valencia, Spain, an MSC vessel believed to be C/V MSC MIA [23,000+ TEU] allided with one of the MSC Valencia Terminal’s ship-to-shore container gantry cranes, bringing the latter down. The effected crane was working another MSC ship (C/V MSC AJACCIO) at an adjacent berth when the departing vessel allided with it.

We understand that timely warnings were issued by terminal workers (most especially the crane operator of the effected crane), making it possible for many to retreat to safer locations away from the dock. Nonetheless, it is also our understanding that the crane operator was seriously injured in the collapse (three broken ribs, a head laceration and various bruises). He is expected to fully recover.

Photographs and a video clip below depict the aftermath.