Yang Ming's YM Unicorn Runs Aground at Taiwan’s Keelung Port

A container ship operated by Yang Ming Marine Transport ran aground while attempting to dock at Taiwan's Keelung port on the night of December 11.  

The vessel, YM Unicorn, an 8,626-TEU ship built in 2013, veered off course and became stuck near a lighthouse just before midnight local time. The ship, which operates on the Transpacific route, had arrived from Kaohsiung and was preparing to berth.  

According to the Keelung Port Traffic Control Center, YM Unicorn strayed from the waterway near the red lighthouse in Dikou as it entered the port. Three tugboats were dispatched to assist the ship, but at 3:21 a.m. local time on December 12, it was confirmed that the ship had run aground in front of the lighthouse.  

Port authorities boarded the vessel to help the pilot assess the situation. An inspection revealed damage to the ship's forepeak tank, which caused water to enter the vessel. In response, four additional tugboats were deployed to aid in refloating the ship.  

It took approximately 20 minutes to free YM Unicorn from its grounded position. The ship successfully berthed at Keelung West No. 19 pier at 4:35 a.m. local time. No crew members were injured in the incident.  

Yang Ming stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. The company will manage all related matters, including ship repairs, compensation, and potential shipping delays. YM Unicorn was scheduled to continue its journey to Los Angeles after its stop in Keelung.