Casualty News

MAERSK VALPARAISO / LADY MARTINA

Date
May 20, 2026

Type
Contact / collision and grounding in Bonny Channel, Nigeria

Voyage
MAERSK VALPARAISO: Reportedly en route from Abidjan, Ivory Coast to Onne, Nigeria / LADY MARTINA: Reportedly departed Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Nigeria

Reports have been received that Maersk Valparaiso, a Singapore-flag fully cellular containership carrying approximately 717 containers, came into contact with Lady Martina, a Nigeria-flag product tanker, during manoeuvring operations in the channel prior to berthing at Nigeria’s Bonny Channel on 20 May 2026.

It is understood that following the incident, Maersk Valparaiso became grounded and stuck in mud. Lady Martina also reportedly grounded after drifting in the channel. Five crewmembers aboard Lady Martina reportedly sustained injuries and were taken ashore for treatment. Nigerian maritime authorities dispatched a patrol boat following distress notifications from the vessels and also responded to an associated oil spill.

As of 21 May 2026, Maersk Valparaiso reportedly remained aground awaiting damage assessment and refloating operations. Vessel movements at Port Harcourt and Onne Port were reportedly disrupted, with congestion building at Bonny Anchorage due to suspended vessel movements in the channel.

Maersk Valparaiso’s last reported voyage origin before the casualty was Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and she was destined for Onne, Nigeria. Lady Martina’s last reported voyage origin was Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

As well as possible cargo damage and delay, it is possible that claims for salvage, pollution response and general average will arise as a result of this incident.

Dolphin Maritime has many years of experience dealing with claims arising from containership fires. If you are the insurers of cargo on board this vessel and require assistance with any claims arising, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

We can assist with:

• Arranging cargo damage surveys
• Investigating the cause of the incident
• Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Provision of Salvage Guarantees
• Representing cargo insurers in relation to LOF Salvage Claims
• Provision of General Average Guarantees
• Defence of General Average claim on NO CURE NO PAY terms