Cargo Ship & Cruise Ship Collide at Port of Cape Town

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) disclosed that on Friday, a collision occurred in the Port of Cape Town involving the luxury cruise ship Ambience and the container ship Grey Fox during docking procedures.

Ophelia Shabane, the acting Port Manager, assured that there were no injuries among the crew or passengers. Furthermore, TNPA confirmed that the incident did not disrupt port operations and did not pose any pollution risks.

Emma Arthurs, a spokesperson for Ambience, detailed that the collision occurred as the ship attempted to dock under challenging windy conditions early Friday. She noted that the Ambience was supported by two tugboats and guided by a local pilot throughout the docking process.

The incident, according to Arthurs, was due to the ship's inability to hold its position against the strong winds, leading to its contact with the docked Grey Fox. Both ships sustained minor damages but there were no concerns regarding pollution or water entering either vessel. The SA Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has also confirmed that the incident did not compromise the safety of either the vessels or the port.

Owned by Ambassador Cruise Line and registered under the Bahamian flag, the Ambience was embarking on its inaugural global journey. Following the incident, the ship, which measures 240 meters in length and has a capacity for 1,400 passengers, continued its voyage, setting sail for Tristan De Cunha on April 6th.