Maritime Analysis
Navigational Errors and Environmental Concerns: The Ongoing Story of the Cement-Supplier
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 23, 2026
The maritime industry is once again brought into focus with the recent incidents involving the Cement-Supplier, previously known as "Cemstar." The vessel has been a subject of scrutiny due to navigational errors and environmental ramifications throughout its operational history.
On October 12, 2016, the ship encountered significant trouble as it ran aground at the southern tip of the island Hugla during its journey from Trondheim to Kjøpsvik. The distress signal was raised at 5:56 a.m., prompting immediate action from the local rescue center. Tugs "Boa Frigg" and "Boa Tyr" were dispatched to assist with the refloat attempt, while divers confirmed that the hull remained intact and free from leaks. It wasn’t until the evening that the Cement-Supplier was successfully refloated and berthed safely in Sandnessjoen.
The grounding was attributed to a navigational error, as the vessel sailed directly toward land before coming to a halt. The vessel carried a crew of 19, including Norwegian officers and crew from Poland and the Philippines. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and investigations carried out by the police found no evidence of alcohol-related impairments among the crew.
This incident is not the first for the Cement-Supplier. In November 2015, the ship was involved in an oil spill incident at the Norcem Quay in Brevik. Human error during oil transfer operations led to a significant slick spreading across Dalem Bay, prompting a rapid response from local authorities and the Coast Guard. Efforts to contain the spill included laying out booms to limit environmental damage.
These events paint a complex picture of the Cement-Supplier, a vessel that not only plays a crucial role in transport and logistics but also poses challenges in navigational safety and environmental protection. As maritime operations continue to evolve, it remains essential for the industry to address these concerns to ensure safe and sustainable shipping practices.
On October 12, 2016, the ship encountered significant trouble as it ran aground at the southern tip of the island Hugla during its journey from Trondheim to Kjøpsvik. The distress signal was raised at 5:56 a.m., prompting immediate action from the local rescue center. Tugs "Boa Frigg" and "Boa Tyr" were dispatched to assist with the refloat attempt, while divers confirmed that the hull remained intact and free from leaks. It wasn’t until the evening that the Cement-Supplier was successfully refloated and berthed safely in Sandnessjoen.
The grounding was attributed to a navigational error, as the vessel sailed directly toward land before coming to a halt. The vessel carried a crew of 19, including Norwegian officers and crew from Poland and the Philippines. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and investigations carried out by the police found no evidence of alcohol-related impairments among the crew.
This incident is not the first for the Cement-Supplier. In November 2015, the ship was involved in an oil spill incident at the Norcem Quay in Brevik. Human error during oil transfer operations led to a significant slick spreading across Dalem Bay, prompting a rapid response from local authorities and the Coast Guard. Efforts to contain the spill included laying out booms to limit environmental damage.
These events paint a complex picture of the Cement-Supplier, a vessel that not only plays a crucial role in transport and logistics but also poses challenges in navigational safety and environmental protection. As maritime operations continue to evolve, it remains essential for the industry to address these concerns to ensure safe and sustainable shipping practices.
Based on these news reports:
- Cement Carrier 'Cemstar' Successfully Refloated After Grounding Incident (2016-10-13)
- Cement Carrier 'Cemstar' Grounds on Hugla Island (2016-10-12)
- Cemstar's Oil Spill Incident at Norcem Quay Raises Environmental Concerns (2015-11-09)