MSC Zlata R Incident: 366 Cherry Containers Docked at Nansha
In mid-January 2026, the MSC Zlata R incident drew widespread attention across the international shipping industry. A container ship operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), assigned to the Cherry Express shipping route, experienced a sudden container ship engine failure while sailing in the South China Sea. As a result, the vessel lost propulsion and could not continue its voyage independently.
However, through coordinated vessel emergency towing efforts and efficient port operations, the ship was safely guided to Guangzhou Nansha Port, ensuring the timely handling of its highly sensitive refrigerated cargo.
Sudden Main Engine Breakdown in the South China Sea
On January 13, 2026, the Guangzhou Port Dispatch and Command Center received an emergency report confirming that the container vessel MSC Zlata R had suffered a main engine breakdown while navigating the South China Sea. Consequently, the ship lost power control and drifted, posing potential risks to vessel safety, crew welfare, and cargo integrity.
Immediately after receiving the report, Guangzhou Port actively communicated with MSC. At the same time, relevant authorities initiated a rapid-response mechanism to address this South China Sea shipping incident.
Coordinated Emergency Maritime Rescue and Towing Operations
Subsequently, under the joint coordination of the Guangzhou Maritime Safety Administration, Guangzhou Port Authority, the South China Sea Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport, and the Guangzhou Port Pilot Station, a comprehensive emergency plan was executed.
As a result, tugboats successfully towed the disabled vessel to the Guishan Anchorage at 12:00 on January 16. Then, after further safety assessments, the ship was smoothly towed into port and safely berthed at Nansha Phase III Terminal 11W at 13:15 on January 17. From that point onward, loading and unloading operations proceeded in an orderly and efficient manner.
366 Containers of Cherries and the Challenge of Reefer Cargo Transport
Notably, the MSC Zlata R was carrying 366 containers of cherries, all classified as refrigerated container cargo. This shipment traveled nearly 20,000 kilometers from Chile, highlighting the importance of fresh produce container transport and precise temperature-controlled logistics.
Moreover, the vessel belongs to MSC’s direct “Alpaca” express route, which the carrier specifically designed to meet peak-season demand for cherries and other fresh agricultural products. Given the ship’s 281-meter length, deadweight exceeding 50,000 tons, and 11.4-meter draft, towing a fully loaded container vessel presented a significant operational challenge.
Scientific Assessment Ensures Safe Berthing at Nansha Port
Therefore, to guarantee both vessel safety and cargo quality, Guangzhou Port conducted a scientific risk assessment immediately upon the ship’s arrival at Guishan Anchorage. Together with the pilot station and relevant departments, the port compiled a detailed report titled “Safety Measures for the Towing and Berthing of the MSC Zlata R at the Terminal.”
In addition, authorities held a multi-agency consultation meeting involving maritime, port, and rescue departments, as well as industry experts. During the meeting, participants finalized a towing and berthing plan that clearly defined responsibilities. Specifically, maritime and port authorities jointly supervised the entire process, while pilotage, rescue units, and tugboat teams collaborated to execute the specialized towing task.
Guangzhou Port Emergency Response Demonstrates Operational Strength
Meanwhile, Guangzhou Port emergency response teams actively coordinated internal resources. The port’s “Golden Towing” tugboat team played a critical role in ensuring the smooth execution of this emergency maritime rescue operation.
Furthermore, Guangzhou Port Group communicated in advance with customs, border inspection, and other port authorities. According to the contingency plan, the port reserved 600 meters of safe berth space, optimized yard storage allocation, and ensured seamless coordination between vessel discharge and terminal storage.
As a result, the port achieved efficient cargo handling while fully meeting customer requirements for reefer container logistics.
Ensuring International Supply Chain Stability
Ultimately, the successful handling of the MSC Zlata R incident once again demonstrated Guangzhou Port’s strong capability in managing port emergency operations and safeguarding international supply chain stability. By prioritizing customer needs, optimizing service processes, and enhancing emergency response mechanisms, the port minimized disruption to time-sensitive agricultural imports.
Looking ahead, Guangzhou Port will continue to strengthen its emergency response systems, improve its port service framework, and deliver safer and more efficient logistics solutions. Through these ongoing efforts, the port remains committed to supporting global trade and ensuring the smooth operation of international logistics networks.
