Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Gulholmen

A collision involving the tug 'VB Seal' and the tanker 'Gulholmen' on the Nieuwe Waterweg has prompted an in-depth investigation by the Dutch Safety Board (OVV). The OVV's findings point to a combination of significant factors that contributed to the incident, including poor visibility conditions, inadequate utilization of radar and electronic navigation charts, and misaligned expectations regarding the tug's position and duties. The incident took place on February 23, 2025, at 01:49 a.m., as the harbour tug 'VB Seal' was stationed near buoy 'Maas 5'. It was awaiting to assist an incoming container ship while positioned deliberately outside the shipping channel, although curtailed visibility due to dense fog played a critical role leading up to the collision. The tug's crew, believing they were safely located away from the navigational path, failed to recognize their vessel was slowly drifting due to the ebb tide and winds, ultimately encroaching upon the route of the 'Gulholmen'. At the time of the collision, visibility was reported to be below 2,000 meters, having dropped dramatically from 14,100 meters earlier that evening to just 490 meters by 01:30 a.m. The fog protocol designed to enhance maritime safety was not activated until after the collision, at 01:55 a.m., leaving the Port Authority unaware of the imminent danger. When 'VB Seal' arrived at buoy 'Maas 5' at 01:47:30 a.m., it awaited about 25 minutes for the scheduled container ship's approach. Despite the dense fog obscuring visibility, the tug relied on a combination of radar, electronic charts, and navigation aids. However, the crew's monitoring duties lacked clear delegation, leaving primary navigation oversight to the captain alone, which contributed to the delay in recognizing the drift. Meanwhile, aboard the 'Gulholmen', the captain and a pilot were assessing their own navigation. At approximately 01:46 a.m., the tanker’s captain noticed the tug on radar and inquired whether it posed any concern. Initially deemed non-threatening, the situation escalated when the pilot belatedly recognized the tug's encroachment into the tanker's path, just moments before the collision occurred. To address the aftermath of this incident, the Dutch Safety Board has issued several recommendations. Boluda Towage should implement regular training on navigating in restricted visibility and the proper use of navigation instruments, given that the current training does not adequately cover these crucial elements. Additionally, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is advised to formulate agreements concerning safe operations with pilots and tugboat operators, focusing on ensuring tugs are positioned safely in low visibility scenarios. Furthermore, the Dutch Pilots' Organisation has been encouraged to clarify safe speed and engine power expectations during pilot-master briefings, enhancing collaborative understanding of maritime safety protocols. This tragic incident serves as a crucial reminder of the need for meticulous navigation practices and the imperative of continuous training to safeguard against maritime accidents.

On August 22, the Shipping Disciplinary Board imposed a €600 fine on the captain of the tug 'VB Seal' (IMO: 9448188) after an incident involving the tanker 'Gulholmen' on August 23. At the time, the tug was moored near buoy Maas 5, waiting for the container ship 'Maersk Iowa' to arrive. However, thick fog caused the vessel to drift without the captain's knowledge, inadvertently crossing the path of the incoming 'Gulholmen'. This led to a collision, resulting in the tug taking on water and being pushed towards the shore by other vessels, emitting large amounts of CO2 which caused several individuals to feel unwell. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) cited the captain for failing to properly utilize the radar to monitor his position. The Disciplinary Board concurred, noting that while the radar was operational, the captain did not ascertain if the tug was staying in its intended location. This failure led to the tug’s movement. Following the accident, the captain, who had retired just three days later, defended his actions, claiming he had always exercised caution and had no prior issues with authorities, also blaming the pilot and crew of the 'Gulholmen' for their negligence. He requested nothing more than a warning. However, the Disciplinary Board disagreed, emphasizing that the potential danger to the crew's safety was significant, highlighting a serious breach of duty by the captain. He is required to settle the €600 fine within three months.

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