MAERSK VALLETTA (IMO 9242637) and MAERSK VANCOUVER (IMO 9242625) in lay-up at Wilhelmshaven, 21.09.2012

Maersk Vigo and her sister Maersk Valletta are laid-up at Wilhelmshaven since August 29, Maersk Vancouver, the third sistership, arrived at Wilhelmshaven on August 30.

Before that all three ships had been anchoring in the German bight at Neue Reede Nord north of Wangerooge since July 14. Their charter with Maersk had ended and their Moroccan based owner seemed to have gone bankrupt as the crew (41 in all) didn't receive neither payment nor supplies. Furthermore Maersk Valletta's engines were in danger of a blackout as oil was missing.

At first Maersk line maintained provisions for the crew. Finally the German Central Command for Maritime Emergencies took over supplying crew and ships and by the end of August (see above) the ships were ordered to berth at Wilhelmshaven. Since then ITF and Deutsche Seemannsmission are taking care of the crew.

As of September 20 the shipowner's attorney assured in a court hearing that the crew will receive their payment (157,000 Euro) as soon as possible... 33 members of the crew will then be able to return home next week, 8 will stay aboard.

All three ships are for sale en bloc (At least that's what I've heard)...