Coral Fungia LNG Tanker Collides with Vessel Blue in Antwerp

The Liberia-flagged LNG tanker Coral Fungia collided with the Dutch inland vessel Blue on the Scheldt River near the Van Cauwelaert Lock in Antwerp, Belgium, on the evening of 28 July. No injuries were reported.

Vessel CORAL FUNGIA, image credit: Aart van Bezooijen

The collision occurred at approximately 6 pm local time on the approach to the lock complex, while Coral Fungia was sailing from Rafnes and Blue was en route from Merksem. The impact caused two dents and a breach in the hull of the tanker, while Blue sustained more significant damage.

Following the incident, the inland vessel moved to the Vrasene dock in the Waasland Port area of Antwerp to discharge its cargo and was subsequently required to proceed to a shipyard for repairs.

The damage to Coral Fungia was located well above the waterline, and authorities determined that there was no immediate risk to the tanker's cargo or the safety of the vessel. The LNG tanker was therefore granted permission to continue sailing.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.