Working Conditions Aboard the Elbsailor

In the early hours of January 31, 2017, the feeder vessel 'Elbsailor' encountered a critical engine malfunction, posing a serious risk of colliding with the embankment near the ferry point of Schacht-Audorf during its eastward passage through the Kiel Canal. The vessel had departed Hamburg the previous day, January 30, at 3:40 PM, on its journey to St. Petersburg. After initiating emergency anchoring measures, the 'Elbsailor' effectively blocked the canal, preventing passage for other vessels in the narrow waterway. Urgent assistance was sought, leading to the deployment of tugs 'Stein' and 'Holtenau' from Kiel at 3 AM. By 6 AM, these brave tugs successfully maneuvered the feisty feeder off the fairway and secured it in the dolphins at Klein-Königsförde. The crew, in collaboration with technicians from Gebr. Friedrich Yard in Kiel, worked diligently to rectify the engine issues aboard the vessel. By the afternoon, the 'Elbsailor' was back in motion, utilizing the 'Holtenau' as a stern tug, making its way into Kiel by 6:30 PM and entering the Baltic Sea by 7:15 PM. For more detailed insights and images of this incident, German reports are available: [KN Online](http://www.kn-online.de/News/Nachrichten-vom-NOK/Nord-Ostsee-Kanal-durch-Containerschiff-blockiert) and [SHZ](http://www.shz.de/lokales/landeszeitung/havarie-auf-dem-nord-ostsee-kanal-fuenf-stunden-vollsperrung-id15982851.html).

In a significant move within the maritime industry, Elbdeich Reederei has successfully acquired the vessel E.R. Visby, which has been rebranded as Elbsailor. The acquisition was finalized at a purchase price of US$ 7.95 million. As part of this transaction, the vessel will be chartered to Fesco until April 2017, enhancing Elbdeich's operational capabilities in the competitive shipping market.

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been successfully sold for $8.8 million to undisclosed buyers. The details surrounding the identity of the buyers remain confidential, adding a layer of intrigue to this sale. This development highlights the ongoing activity in the maritime industry, as vessels continue to change hands, reflecting the dynamic nature of maritime commerce.