Detained Car Carrier Cleared to Depart Portland

The 648-foot car carrier that was detained by USCG officials after losing power near the mouth of the Columbia River last week has been released.

The U.S. Coast Guard says the the car carrier, the M/V Morning Spruce, was cleared of all safety discrepancies found aboard the vessel and the vessel can now depart Portland, Oregon.

On February 28, a COTP order was issued requiring the vessel to remain in Portland after Coast Guard inspectors discovered numerous safety deficiencies aboard the vessel, including fire control boundaries, excessive oil in machinery spaces, soft patches on fire main piping and heavy hydraulic leaks.

The singapore-flagged car-carrier was inspected by Coast Guard Sector Columbia River lost all power while in 12-foot seas just 12 miles from the entrance to the Columbia River on February 26.  After 4 1/2 hours adrift, the crew of the Morning Spruce was able to get the power back and the vessel was escorted by tugs to Portland.

The M/V Morning Spruce is owned by EUKOR Car Carriers, one of the largest operators of modern and specialized Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC) in the world.

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