The river line has launched legal action against MSC over the incident that saw MSC Opera hit River Countess while docked at the San Basilio Cruise Terminal in the Italian city.

According to Uniworld, “extensive conversations” between its chief executive and president Ellen Bettridge and MSC to compensate Uniworld for its losses have been “unproductive”.

To date, Uniworld estimates losses – including passenger reimbursement, ship damage, lost revenue and the protection of travel agent commissions – to be in excess of €11.5 million (£9.7 million).

This estimate excludes additional potential claims from customers and related damages, the line said.

Uniworld said the incident, which remains under investigation by Italian authorities, impacted nearly 1,600 guests over the course of several months.

“We do not like to litigate but have been compelled to do so based on the stonewalling and delays by MSC and its representatives – even after receiving a letter of guarantee by their own insurance agency, West of England,” Bettridge said in a statement released on Wednesday (22 January).

“We expect more and better from a fellow member of the cruise industry and regret having to go to court to seek fitting remedy.”

In response, an MSC spokesperson said: “MSC Cruises has been working constructively with all parties and their legal advisors since shortly after the incident, and has been facilitating a close cooperation between those involved including their insurers.

“As liability in this matter is still under investigation by the responsible authorities, it is inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

“MSC Cruises is committed to continuing to cooperate fully in order to resolve this matter.”