This is the heartstopping moment a cargo ship crashed into a port - while the captain was allegedly drunk.

The 6,800-TEU Hyundai Tokyo had arrived from Ningbo, China and was berthing at Kaohsiung Port on Monday March 20.

However, port officials were alarmed by its excessive speed as it approached the quay with no sign that it was slowing down or steering into position at

Freantic staff in the master's office at Taiwan's largest harbour sent repeated radio warnings that were reportedly unanswered. They could only watch in disbelief as the container ship struck Pier 77 at the port.

The vessel suffered hull cracks while the berth was also damaged. Authorities found the pilot onboard allegedly drunk. He has now been suspended while officials investigate.

Following the incident, alcohol tests have been mandated for all maritime pilots in Taiwan before work.