Container Feeders Meratus Kolaka and Spil Ratna Collide on Mahakam River, East Kalimantan

The Indonesian-flagged container feeders Meratus Kolaka and Spil Ratna collided on the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, Indonesia on May 13, resulting in extensive hull damage and eight containers lost overboard. No injuries or pollution were reported.

Both vessels are 8,000 DWT Indonesian-flagged feeders operating in domestic trade — Meratus Kolaka built in 2021 and Spil Ratna in 2019. The collision occurred on the lower stretches of the Mahakam River delta as the waterway approaches the Makassar Strait. Meratus Kolaka sustained extensive damage to hull plating above the waterline along her starboard side, while Spil Ratna suffered more localised damage to her forecastle and starboard bridge wing.

Indonesian authorities are investigating the cause of the collision.