This is not something we expect to see every day. On July 16, off Hay Point on the Queensland Coast of Australia, the bulk carrier HL Eco was maneuvering in preparation to anchor when it had mechanical problems and lost steerage.
Without control, the HL Eco drifted down onto the YM Serenity, another bulk carrier that was anchored nearby, and collided with its bow.
The incident was captured on video by a crew member aboard YM Serenity and shows the port side of HL Eco crashing into YM Serenity and the ensuing damage.
HL Eco is powered by LNG and one of the gas storage tanks was ripped apart in the collision. But it appeared to be empty and no explosion of fire complicated the situation. Also, YM Serenity lost one of its anchors in the accident. Read more here.
Watch the video on X.
LNG-fueled bulk carrier HL ECO, owned by H-Line, lost power while maneuvering to anchor and collided with the Japanese bulk carrier YM SERENITY. Footage shows the LNG fuel tank of HL ECO disintegrating upon impact. Fortunately, the empty tanks prevented an explosion. pic.twitter.com/CoyS2Z2l3C
— FocuSeaTV (@focuseatv) July 31, 2024