Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Grande-Sierra-Leone

The vehicle carrier 'Grande Sierra Leone' has been anchored in Hamburg since it docked after its voyage from Le Havre on July 31, 2026. The vessel has reportedly experienced mechanical issues requiring external assistance. On August 5, the tugboat 'Fairplay 39' (IMO: 9557927) arrived in Hamburg from Rotterdam, tasked with towing the beleaguered ship from Hansa Port in the Small Gras Brook back to Rotterdam. The towage operation commenced on August 7 at 10:30 a.m. UTC, with support from the stern tug 'VB Rasant' (IMO: 9763241). The estimated time of arrival for the 'Grande Sierra Leone' in Rotterdam is projected for August 10.

In the early hours of August 26, 2025, at approximately 3:50 a.m., the 'Grande Sierra Leone' encountered a significant technical issue that led to a blackout while navigating the Weser River. The incident occurred during its voyage from Antwerp to Bremerhaven, specifically due to a malfunction in the engine control room. Following the engine failure, the disabled vehicle carrier executed an emergency anchoring maneuver. By around 5:10 a.m., the vessel was successfully assisted by multiple tugboats and secured at Strom Quay, located at coordinates 53° 35' N 008° 32' E. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries or environmental harm. Preliminary investigations conducted by the Bremen Waterways Police indicated that the blackout was attributed to a technical defect within the engine control room. Authorities have commenced further inquiries to fully uncover the reasons behind the malfunction. The 'Grande Sierra Leone' remained in port until repairs were finalized and a confirmation from the regulatory classification society was obtained, ensuring that the necessary safety measures were reinstated. The vessel eventually departed Bremerhaven on August 29, setting sail towards Valencia, with an estimated arrival set for September 2.

The car carrier 'Grande Sierra Leone' encountered an unexpected quarantine situation off the coast of Belgium, attributed to a missing health document amid escalating concerns over the Ebola virus. After departing from West Africa and making a stop in Tilbury, the vessel set course for Antwerp on October 25, 2014. On October 26, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a West Flemish sea pilot boarded to guide the ship to Flushing as per usual protocol. However, upon reaching Vlissingen, the ship was halted by authorities due to the absence of the required health documentation. It was later clarified that the shipping agent in Antwerp had, in fact, submitted the necessary health document, allowing the 'Grande Sierra Leone' to finally dock after navigating in circles for several hours.