Maersk ships trade paint and break cranes in BremerhavenMaersk ships trade paint and break cranes in Bremerhaven

The incident has left the 16 year old, 4,824 teu Missouri in port for two to three days for necessary repairs while the minor damage to Laberinto meant the ship was cleared to leave the port after completing loading and unloading.

Maersk Line has stated that the 2012-built, 8,600 teu Laberinto was under pilotage when the allision occurred.

"The incident resulted in damage to gantry shore cranes working over Maersk Missouri," the Danish line said in a statement. "Maersk Line, their underwriters and local authorities are currently assessing the damages and investigating the circumstances of the incident."