Two laden Capesize bulk carriers sustained structural damage after colliding in the Singapore Strait on Tuesday.
The Marshall Islands-flagged Cape XL (180,000 dwt, built 2012) was departing Singapore’s eastern bunker anchorage after taking on fuel and was attempting to join the eastbound traffic lane when it struck the port side of the Panama-flagged Huge Kumano (built 2021).The vessel was transiting eastbound through the Singapore Strait at about nine knots on a voyage from Brazil to Singapore. Reports said Cape XL was loaded with bauxite, while Huge Kumano was carrying iron ore.
According to AIS data, Cape XL was making around six knots when its bow hit the port side of Huge Kumano amidships. Following the impact, the bow section of Cape XL became embedded in the side structure of the other vessel, and the ships drifted together eastward through the traffic separation scheme before being separated. Both vessels were temporarily reported not under command after the collision.
As of May 21, Cape XL had proceeded to Batu Ampar Anchorage in Indonesia, while Huge Kumano was anchored near Singapore with tug assistance nearby.
No injuries or pollution have been reported. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
