TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (陽明海運), one of Taiwan's largest shipping companies, cargo vessel that was scheduled to dock at Keelung Port, Taiwan's northernmost international harbor, on June 8 was forced to divert to Wenzhou, a port city in China's Zhejiang province, following a collision with an unidentified object at sea. The incident, which has resulted in significant shipping delays, was disclosed to TVBS by an anonymous shipping industry manager on Thursday (June 26), nearly three weeks after the original scheduled arrival date.
The industry source detailed a frustrating situation where multiple cargo clients arrived at Keelung Port on the originally scheduled date of June 8, expecting to receive their shipments, only to find no trace of the expected vessel. When these shippers sought explanations from local Yang Ming Marine representatives, they were told that the company was "checking" on the situation, with corporate headquarters reportedly still conducting an investigation into what had transpired with their missing cargo ship.
The shipping industry manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that he independently investigated the vessel's whereabouts by accessing maritime satellite tracking systems. This research confirmed that the container ship had made an abrupt 90-degree course change toward Wenzhou after apparently becoming disabled in the water. The manager stated that shippers received no official notification about the situation until June 12, four days after the scheduled arrival, when Yang Ming Marine finally informed clients that the vessel required repairs due to damage sustained in the collision.
The situation has escalated beyond mere inconvenience, according to the industry source, who has fielded numerous complaints from affected shippers now facing delays of more than two weeks. These extended delays have reportedly resulted in significant financial losses as temperature-sensitive cargo, particularly perishable food items and skincare products, has deteriorated in the summer heat while awaiting delivery. When contacted about these concerns, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation issued a brief statement asserting that they have maintained communication with affected clients and encouraging any shippers with ongoing issues to reach out directly to the company's sales department for assistance. ◼