Facts and accidents
In May 2014, it was announced that nine Höegh Autoliners PCTC vessels would be managed by Wallem which would deliver technical and crew management from Wallem's Singapore base.[10]
In January 2015, the MV Höegh Osaka was en route from Southampton to Bremerhaven when it accidentally grounded, requiring salvage.[11]
On 25 February 2019, MV Höegh London reported a crew member casualty while sailing in the Mediterranean Sea from Tanger-Med to Gemlik.[12] The vessel faced an extremely serious storm, that caused severe rolling and consequent unexpected movements of her cargo on the decks. Several vehicles were damaged, and also the bulkhead structure was cracked in several points, with seawater entering in her holds. While the crew was verifying the seriousness of the damages and attempting the cargo re-lashing, a Chinese crew member was hit by heavy machinery, reporting life threatening injuries and soon after died on board.[13] The ship requested emergency berthing at Pozzallo port to disembark the seafarer, and undertake an inspection of the ship’s seaworthiness.[14]
On 4 June 2020, a serious fire started on MV Höegh Xiamen while alongside Jacksonville Blount Island port: it burned for three full days, before being successfully extinguished by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.[15] The vessel had been on a regular monthly service between Europe and US, under Grimaldi Group chartering and operation, transporting cars and used high and heavy machineries, but was eventually declared a total loss.[16]
On 17 July 2020, MV Höegh London collided with a South Korean navy submarine after departing Masan port, in the direction of its next port of call in China. Both carriers reported minor damage and gashes that required thorough inspections.[17]
