Msc-Elma

The 'MSC Elma', while transiting the Panama Canal, suffered a loss of its directional control and ran aground on March 21, 2022, at around 5 p.m. UTC. The Gabinete de Investigação de Acidentes Marítimos e da Autoridade para a Meteorologia Aeronáutica (GAMA) in Lisbon has started procedures to collect evidence into the incident with their Panama counterparts. No injuries or pollution resulted from the incident. The ship exited the Panama Canal on March 26 and berthed in Cristobal the same day. On March 28 it continued the voyage to Savannah with an ETA as of April 1.

The fire aboard the 'MSC Elma' has caused a possible electrical fault or failure resulting in temperature sensitive refrigerated cargo being without power since Sep 26. It has been reported that the fault has now been rectified, although the length of time the refrigerated cargo was without power was unknown. There was the possibility of loss or damage to Reefer cargoes on board. The ship remained stationary in the Colon Port of Cristobal as of Oct 18.

During cargo operations, the 'MSC Elma' suffered an engine room fire in the Port of Cristobal on Sep 25, 2021. The fire was extinguished by the crew. No injuries reported. The Portuguese maritime safety office was conducting an investigation into the incident. As of Sep 30, teh ship remained berthed at the Colon Evergreen Terminal 3 in Cristobal.