Two Cape-Class Bulk Carriers Collide Near Singapore

Two Cape-class bulk carriers, CAPE XL and HUGE KUMANO, collided near Singapore waters on the morning of 20 May 2026. The Marshall Islands-flagged CAPE XL's bow struck the mid-aft port side of the Panamanian-flagged HUGE KUMANO, causing severe contact and extrusion. Both vessels were stationary after the incident, with several other ships anchored nearby. The collision occurred near the intersection of the Singapore Eastern Anchorage for Bunkering (AEBA) and the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait. CAPE XL was sailing south out of AEBA after bunkering, preparing to enter the eastbound lane, while HUGE KUMANO was transiting eastbound. HUGE KUMANO is a 2020-built Newcastlemax bulk carrier of about 208,848 DWT, owned by Japan's Nissen Kaiun Co Ltd. CAPE XL is a 2011-built Capesize bulk carrier of approximately 181,458 DWT, operated by Greece's Brave Maritime Corp. Both ships displayed "Not Under Command" status after the accident and remain near Singapore waters at low speed. The Singapore Strait is a heavily trafficked route with complex vessel movements, and strong currents may have contributed to the collision.