New Casualty - MAERSK VALPARAISO collision with LADY MARTINA
Incident Date: 20th May 2026
Vessels: MAERSK VALPARAISO c/w LADY MARTINA
Types: Fully Cellular Containership & Product Tanker
Incident: Collision and Grounding
IMO Nos.: 9433054 & 5104033
W.E. Cox have learned of an incident involving the MAERSK VALPARAISO, a Singapore Flag, 18,326GT, 1,740TEU, 2010 built, fully cellular containership (feeder), which collided with the LADY MARTINA, a Nigeria flag, 452GT, 57m, 1962 built, product tanker, during manoeuvring operations at the Bonny Inner Anchorage, Rivers State, Nigeria, on 20th May 2026. The collision led to the grounding and damaging of both the MAERSK VALPARAISO and the LADY MARTINA.
It is understood that at the time of the collision the MAERSK VALPARAISO, was en route to the West Africa Container Terminal at the port of Onne and carrying 717 containers. The MAERSK VALPARAISO was refloated on 22nd May and is currently at anchorage at the port of Onne.
Reports of the collision disrupting and/or halting the movement of other nearby vessels at the port of Onne have been disputed by the Nigerian Navy. We understand that local authorities are dealing with an oil spill following the collision and that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency will investigate the cause of this collision.
It is further understood that whilst the crew of the MAERSK VALPARAISO were unharmed, at least 5 crew members on the LADY MARTINA have been injured.
The MAERSK VALPARAISO is owned AP Moller Singapore Private Limited and managed by Maersk A/S. She calls at various ports in Italy, Greece and along the West Africa trade route.
The LADY MARTINA is owned and managed by Nikolaos Andrianou. She calls at various ports in Nigeria.
As a result of this casualty, cargo deliveries may be delayed, with possible cargo loss and damage. The situation may also give rise to General Average that will require Cargo interests to provide General Average security prior to cargo being released at destination.
If you are aware of any involvement in this casualty and W E Cox Claims Group may be of assistance in any way, including provision of securities, arranging surveys, adjusting any potential losses &/or undertaking recovery action, please do not hesitate to contact us. As appropriate, please contact:
United Kingdom – Paul Friett cargoclaims@w-e-cox.co.uk
France – Marie-Laure Mirrione MarieLaureMirrione@w-e-cox.eu
Europe – Aneta Pillay apillay@w-e-cox.co.uk
Hong Kong – Twinnie Lai twinnie@ceemis.com.hk
Singapore – Paul Sansom psansom@w-e-cox.com.sg
USA – Joshua Gayer jgayer@w-e-cox.com
Australia – Niall Orr norr@w-e-cox.com.au
If this or future casualty notices should be forwarded to any of your colleagues, we would be pleased to receive their contact details and we will add them to our Client List.