Emma Maersk towed to Europe

The Emma Maersk was carrying 13,536 teu equivalent containers when a breach in the stern thruster tunnel late on 1 February caused the main engine room to flood, leaving her without power. The ship was towed to Port Said where she berthed early on 2 February. Alternate arrangements were made within the Maersk fleet for all cargo; no replacement tonnage was chartered in.

Initial engineering work at Port Said has sealed the leak, readying the ship for the journey to an unnamed repair yard in Europe where the damage can be fully assessed and repair work, which may take months, can begin.

Commenting on the on schedule repairs and subsequent departure, Palle Laursen, Maersk Line's head of ship management in Copenhagen, said, "The efforts of the crew, the local Maersk Line, Suez Canal Containter Terminal and Svitzer organisations and the underwater repair teams should be fully recognised in enabling this. We also appreciate the full support of the Suez Canal Authority in making this happen so quickly."