Ship Carrying U.S.-Built Hondas to Japan Turns Back
A new Japanese-built vessel carrying the first shipment of U.S.-built Honda cars to Japan had to turn back from its voyage because of an undisclosed problem on the ship.
The auto carrier’s return to port Sunday night was made without announcement--unlike the fanfare when the U.S.-flagged Green Bay left Portland last Monday carrying 540 Accord coupes and 100 Gold Wing motorcycles. Officials refused to disclose details of the ship’s problem.
Repair crews began their work today at the Swan Island dry dock. The vessel’s departure date was not known.
“I think it’s an embarrassment more than anything,” port spokeswoman Francois Elmaleh said. “They’re probably still getting the bugs out” of the new ship, which was completed last October.
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