Hoegh Osaka: £30 Million-Worth Of Brand New Vehicles To Be Scrapped?

Cargo Ship, Hoegh Osaka, Jaguar, Land Rover Defender, Mini, Motor Salvage, Porsche, Range Rover Evoque, Salvage, Scrap Car, Vehicle Auction, Vehicle Repair

Dented and damaged Land Rover Defenders, Range Rover Evoques, Minis, Jaguars and Porsches have begun to emerge from the stricken Hoegh Osaka cargo ship. The Hoegh Osaka was deliberately ran aground on Bramble Bank in the Solent on January 3rd. This decision was made to prevent the cargo ship from capsizing and losing over 1,400 vehicles aboard as well as heavy plant machinery. Although a costly capsize was prevented the damaged cars may be destined for the scrap heap echoing a similar incident in 2006 which resulted in over 4,700 Mazdas being scrapped.

The fate of the array of prized vehicles is still to be determined as each vehicle is assessed in-turn as they emerge from the ship and converge on the tarmac of the dock in Southampton. Some vehicles on the lowest deck as well as those located on the side of the ship that was listing run the risk of water damage and will be towed out if they cannot start or are damaged. Only once the vehicles have been inspected will it be decided whether they will be disposed of which will cost in the region of an eye-watering £30 million.

The vehicles were destined for a number of dealerships and private owners in the Middle East until the Osaka was deliberately ran aground just 45 minutes after leaving port.

As vehicle recycling experts we would hate to see such a prized haul end up as an enormous collection of cubes at the hands of a crusher. Instead, we would like to see them get new homes through the salvage market. With simple repairs required to nurse these vehicles back to full health as well as a new MOT certificate depending upon insurance category, it would be a tremendous waste to not allow these vehicles to be re-homed and cherished for many years to come.

Has this story got you wondering about the salvage market? Click here to check out our weekly online salvage auctions home to a vast array of cars and commercials including prestige makes.