Casualty News

ZENITH AURORA

Date
August 29, 2026

Type
Rudder damage / towage / General Average

Reports have been received that the South Korean-flagged general cargo vessel ZENITH AURORA suffered an abnormality affecting her rudder on or about 29 August 2026 while carrying cargo from South Korea to Taiwan. The vessel was unable to continue her voyage in the ordinary manner.

The vessel owners have advised that ZENITH AURORA was towed by the tug ANETA back to Gwangyang, South Korea. The vessel had loaded cargo at Pohang and Gwangyang for carriage to Taiwan. The owners subsequently advised that arrangements were being made for the cargo to be discharged at Gwangyang and transferred to a substitute vessel for onward carriage to Taiwan. Those arrangements were stated to remain subject to operational circumstances, approvals and availability.

AIS information records Mokpo, South Korea as the vessel’s last port call immediately before the casualty, departing on 28 August 2026. ZENITH AURORA subsequently returned to Gwangyang, where recent AIS information continues to place the vessel.

General Average has now been formally declared by the vessel owners. KORHI Average Adjusters & Surveyors Ltd has been appointed as Average Adjuster to collect the required General Average security and supporting documentation and, in due course, prepare the General Average adjustment.

Cargo interests have been advised that delivery or release of cargo may be withheld until satisfactory General Average security has been provided.

We have not presently seen verified information establishing physical damage to cargo or that a separate salvage claim has been presented. However, cargo insurers may now need to arrange General Average security and protect their position in relation to any General Average contribution, cargo damage or recovery arising from the casualty.

Dolphin Maritime has many years of experience dealing with marine casualties, General Average and associated cargo claims.

If you are the insurers of cargo on board ZENITH AURORA and require assistance with any claims arising, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can assist with:

We can assist with:

• Arranging cargo damage surveys
• Investigating the cause of the incident
• Provision of Average Guarantees
• Provision of Salvage Guarantees (from a premium of 0.50% of the guarantee amount)
• Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Defence of General Average claims on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Representing cargo insurers in relation to LOF Salvage Claims

Photo credit: https://www.marinetraffic.com/