Maersk Valparaiso Aground in Bonny Channel After Collision with Tanker Lady Martina, Blocking two Nigerian Ports

The Singapore-registered feeder container ship Maersk Valparaiso (23,359 DWT, 1,740 TEU) ran aground in Nigeria's Bonny Channel on May 20 following a collision with the product tanker Lady Martina while maneuvering to berth at Onne Port. The grounded vessel was blocking access to both Onne Port and Port Harcourt, with congestion building in the Bonny Anchorage.

Maersk Valparaiso was inbound to the West Africa Container Terminal at Onne Port, carrying approximately 717 containers, when it collided with Lady Martina — a 57-metre, 1962-built product tanker departing the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone. Following the collision, Lady Martina drifted and grounded in the channel. An oil spill has been reported in connection with the tanker. Five crew members aboard Lady Martina sustained injuries and were taken ashore for treatment.

Maersk Valparaiso remained aground as of May 21, with AIS tracking from ShipAtlas confirming the vessel's status. Nigerian port authorities dispatched a patrol boat following the incident and are working on a refloating plan, with tidal assistance considered as one option.

The channel closure has halted vessel arrivals and departures at both Onne Port and Port Harcourt.