- Marine Department is conducting a further investigation into the incident where tanker MT SMF IXORA drifted and struck the Sungai Johor Bridge on Wednesday (Sept 2).
- Preliminary information indicated that the tanker had just been launched from Benzmark Marine Shipyard when strong currents caused it to drift towards the bridge.
- The tanker struck the bridge, sustaining minor damage to its exhaust system, railings, and navigation equipment.
- The bridge structure also reportedly suffered minor damage.
- Two additional tugboats later arrived and successfully towed the vessel away from the bridge before it was safely anchored.
- Senai-Desaru Expressway Berhad confirmed that the bridge remained safe and open to traffic, stating that the incident had not compromised road-user safety.
- The tugboat escorting the vessel was reportedly unable to control its movement due to the strong currents and limited towing capacity.
- The Marine Department stated it would continue working with the relevant parties to ensure navigational safety and the structural integrity of the bridge.
The Marine Department is investigating the September 2 incident involving tanker MT SMF IXORA, which drifted and struck the Sungai Johor Bridge. Preliminary reports indicate that strong currents and limited tugboat capacity were significant factors in the incident.127
The tanker had just been launched from the Benzmark Marine Shipyard when it began to drift towards the bridge. According to the department's statement, the tugboat escorting the vessel was unable to control its movement due to these conditions. The tanker sustained minor damage to its exhaust system, railings, and navigation equipment, while the bridge also reportedly suffered minor damage.34
Following the incident, two additional tugboats arrived and successfully towed the vessel away from the bridge, anchoring it safely. The Marine Department is collaborating with relevant parties to ensure navigational safety and the structural integrity of the bridge. Senai-Desaru Expressway Berhad confirmed that the bridge remains safe and open to traffic, assuring that the incident did not compromise road-user safety.568
“The tanker MT SMF IXORA had just been launched from Benzmark Marine Shipyard when strong currents caused it to drift, and the escorting tugboat reportedly couldn't control it due to limited towing capacity. Two additional tugboats later towed the vessel to safety, and SDEB confirmed the bridge remains safe and open to traffic.”
The Star
