Discover the Annika: Ratings & Maritime News

The tanker Annika is set to make its comeback on the waters as extensive repairs at Strela Shiprepair in Stralsund draw to a close. Major refurbishment efforts have been finalized, and commissioning processes are currently underway. The team is actively testing the ship's systems, with the classification society DNV overseeing the approval procedures. Among the significant upgrades made, the electrical system at the stern has undergone a complete overhaul, and all interior fittings have been replaced with brand new components. Additionally, steel sections that were previously warped from heat exposure have been entirely replaced, and the engines have been disassembled for thorough inspection and repairs. The Annika is projected to leave Stralsund for its initial trials in the second week of 2026, following the conclusion of the extensive repair work. It is anticipated that the tanker will return to Stralsund again for any final touches. If all goes well during the sea trials off the coast of Rügen Island, the Annika could potentially resume its operations from Rostock in mid-January 2026—over 15 months since it suffered a fire incident on October 11, 2024, near Heiligendamm. The costs associated with the repairs have been covered by the ship owner's insurance company, alongside contributions from the owner. For more details, a video report can be found at: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/nach-havarie-tanker-annika-repariert-schiff-legt-bald-zu-testfahrten-ab,tankerannika-102.html

As of October 11, 2024, it has been a year since the fire incident involving the oil tanker 'Annika' in the Baltic Sea, and the vessel is still undergoing repairs at the Strela Shiprepair shipyard located in Stralsund. Having been towed to the shipyard earlier this year, the 'Annika' has moved from dry docking and is currently moored at the pier for its final stages of repair work. Major repairs have been successfully completed, but the teams are now focused on internal modifications, as the damage sustained by the control systems turned out to be more extensive than initially anticipated. The completion of the tanker's repairs is projected to occur within the next few weeks. Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BMI) has finished its inquiry into the fire's cause, but the report detailing their findings is not expected to be available until 2026. For more details and updates on the situation, you can view the report with photos [here](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/nach-brand-auf-ostsee-oeltanker-annika-immer-noch-in-reparatur,oeltanker-124.html).

On January 21, in the afternoon, the tanker 'Annika' docked at the Volkswerft shipyard located in Stralsund, Germany. The vessel was towed to the quayside by the tugs 'Robin Hood' (IMO: 9096454) and 'Fairplay 55' (IMO: 9021124), with the latter serving as the steering tug. This arrival sets the stage for extensive repairs to be carried out by Strela Shiprepair, a company renowned for its ship repair expertise. Significant work is scheduled for the rear section of 'Annika,' which includes essential repairs to both the main and auxiliary engines, along with the redevelopment of living quarters and storage spaces. To facilitate these repairs, the decks will be entirely separated, allowing for a complete inspection of the vessel's structure to determine what components can be salvaged. In addition to mechanical repairs, the electrical systems will undergo thorough checking, with replacements made as necessary. The steering engine will also undergo a complete overhaul as part of the impressive refurbishment effort. Estimates suggest that the repair work will require an investment of several million Euros and take between 3.5 to 4.5 months to complete. The intricate nature of the project means that numerous subcontractors and trades will need to be coordinated to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. This contract represents the most extensive project awarded to Strela Shiprepair since its establishment in Stralsund, underscoring the trust the maritime industry has in the company and the local area. The Federal Bureau of Maritime Accident Investigation (BSU) has classified the fire incident involving 'Annika' as a serious maritime accident. Following initial investigations onboard, a comprehensive report summarizing the findings is expected in the coming months. For further details and visual coverage, check the reports linked here: [Nordkurier](https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/mecklenburg-vorpommern/tankschiff-annika-nach-brand-zur-renovierung-in-stralsund-3259920), [Sundblick](https://www.sundblick.info/annika-hat-in-stralsund-festgemacht/?fbclid=IwY2xjawH9mo1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHczOlGQrrOEpDXXUwoS32Kzze6YUhPeBiwVNmkE22rumoUpBXPC73EKNcw_aem_PvLwgZHzLmAPljxVB-xV4g), [NDR](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/vorpommern/In-Brand-geratener-Oeltanker-Annika-jetzt-in-Stralsund-zur-Reparatur-,mvregiogreifswald2074.html).

On January 20, 2023, at 7 a.m. UTC, the fire-stricken tanker 'Annika' was transported from the overseas port of Rostock to Stralsund. The vessel is being towed by the tug 'Robin Hood' (IMO: 9096454) as part of its journey to Strela Shiprepair Yard, where it is expected to arrive later that same day. Prior to departure, approximately 800 tons of diesel fuel was successfully pumped out, and preliminary repair work was conducted to address the damage sustained in the fire.