Recently, the Maersk container ship “Saltoro” arrived at Nansha Port in China on February 17, after a lengthy 52-day voyage. However, this vessel, which was carrying 1,353 containers of approximately 25,000 tons of Chilean fruit (primarily cherries, nectarines, and blueberries), encountered a series of setbacks. These fruits were originally intended to hit the market before the Chinese New Year, but they now face the possibility of destruction or return.
On January 13, the ship’s main engine malfunctioned, resulting in a 28-day delay. This unexpected incident raised serious concerns about the quality and commercial viability of the cargo. When the vessel finally reached Nansha Port, Chinese plant quarantine authorities immediately began inspecting the Chilean cherries.
However, the situation did not calm down there. According to multiple sources, as of February 19, neither Chinese authorities nor port officials had issued an official statement regarding the fate of the Maersk “Saltoro” cargo. Nevertheless, unofficial channels reported that approximately 100 to 200 containers had been unloaded, with around 20 containers being rejected after inspection due to their poor condition. These rejected containers have been sent to a designated destruction area by the port authority, but destruction has not yet been carried out.
