Read Authentic Ratings for the Alaskaborg

On February 9, 2022, a significant incident involving the MV Alaskaborg occurred as it sailed south of Newfoundland, prompting a stern report from the Maritime Disciplinary Board in Amsterdam. The vessel inadvertently discharged fuel oil into the ocean for a distressing 12 hours due to serious negligence on the part of its captain. Having departed from Canada en route to Rotterdam on February 7, it faced adverse weather conditions that contributed to the mishap. At around 6:30 p.m. on February 9, the vessel's bilge alarm activated in hold two's bilge well. Initially, the crew suspected snowfall accumulation in the hold or potential water ingress resulting from the stormy weather. Avoiding risky maneuvers during the rough seas, the captain opted to pump out what was assumed to be excess water, rather than risk crew safety by sending them into the hold for inspection. The next morning, favorable weather conditions allowed crew members to investigate the hold, where they uncovered a leak in a fuel tank. This leak caused oil to mix with the cargo and enter the bilge, triggering the alarm—contrary to initial assumptions about water. The Maritime Disciplinary Board acknowledged that during loading, snowfall was heavier in the affected hold, and previous water ingress had been experienced, which led the crew to believe the alarm was nothing out of the ordinary. They asserted that the methods of the leak were rare, stemming from a broken tween deck hatch that struck the fuel tank. Despite these factors, the board concluded that both the captain and the head of the watch team failed to act appropriately following the initial alarm. Even after the alarm persisted, they should have suspected something more serious was amiss, given that only one bilge well continued to signal. When severe weather conditions prevent further inspection, the report advises that any unidentified liquids should be redirected to the ballast tank, rather than pumped overboard, as a precautionary measure. The Canadian Coast Guard estimates that approximately 30,000 liters of oil may have been released into the ocean, although the actual amount remains undetermined. This incident raises serious concerns about the vigilance and decision-making protocols aboard vessels when faced with emergencies at sea.

On June 27, 2021, the cargo ship 'Alaskaborg', carrying a crew of 12, encountered a fire in its cargo hold No.2 while navigating at coordinates 40 25 02N, 053 33 09W, approximately 510 nautical miles east-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. Fortunately, the dedicated crew was able to successfully extinguish the flames, allowing the vessel to continue its journey. The Alaskaborg safely arrived at its destination in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, on July 3, 2021.