Hanjin-chartered vessel unable to get through Suez Canal
EXECUTIVE limitations posed by Hanjin's uncertain legal status were behind one of its chartered-in ships being unable to proceed through the Suez Canal on Thursday.
According to MANA, Hanjin Switzerland, owned by the Ciner group, did not pass through the Suez Canal on September 1, Lloyd’s List Intelligence data shows. Having made a U-turn, the ship is currently drifting south of the canal. Its next stop is supposed to be New York.Ciner Ship Management chief executive Vasileios Papakalodoukas told Lloyd's List that the vessel did not make the voyage through the canal because Hanjin lacks authorisation to spend money on canal fees. The line needs permission from the court to spend any funds it has, he said.
In addition, without the court protection from South Korea the vessel could be seized at any port it docks at, Mr Papakalodoukas said. To protect its vessels, Hanjin is expected to file for court protection in other jurisdictions, such as the US.