What Crew Members Say About Meri

Following the unfortunate incident involving the freighter 'Meri,' which collided with the Kiel-Holtenau high bridges at 4:35 a.m. on November 30, 2022, the State Office for Road Construction and Transport (LBV) in Kiel is still in the process of addressing the financial repercussions of the bridge repairs. The state of Schleswig-Holstein has temporarily covered over nine million euros for the extensive repair work that has been ongoing for nearly a year since the accident. However, the question of funding reimbursement remains unresolved, as the state authorities are actively pursuing compensation from those responsible for the damages. Given the complexity of the case and the substantial claim amount, it is anticipated that the recovery efforts may extend further into the future. The outcome of these claims will largely rely on the results of ongoing negotiations. The incident occurred while the 'Meri' was transporting a mobile harbor crane for Liebherr, transitioning from Rostock to Esbjerg. A report released by the Federal Bureau of Maritime Accident Investigation in Hamburg in June 2024 revealed that miscommunication and confusion were key factors in the allision. In particular, the captain, a Finnish national, was given an outdated data sheet corresponding to the originally ordered LHM600 58M crane. Unknown to the crew, the crane's specifications had changed months prior to its delivery, with the successor model, the LHM 600 Evo6, placed on the deck of the 'Meri.' This newer model features a height increase of four meters, a detail that was overlooked. Additionally, complications arose during the measurement process in the lock due to a laser height measurement failure. As of now, no payments have been directed to either the state of Schleswig-Holstein or the federal government regarding these repairs. However, officials from the state-owned company have asserted their commitment to pursue damage claims relentlessly. Importantly, this legal pursuit will not disrupt 'Meri's' operational capabilities: the vessel is authorized to navigate through the Kiel Canal without facing any penalties.

On June 6, 2012, the STX Turku Shipyard proudly unveiled the Meri, a state-of-the-art ice class multipurpose deck cargo vessel constructed for Gaiamare. With impressive dimensions of 105.4 meters in length and 18.8 meters in width, the Meri is set to sail under the Finnish flag, ensuring optimal performance in icy waters. Designed with versatility in mind, this Finnish-Swedish vessel is poised to transport various project cargoes, prominently including components for offshore wind energy, throughout the Baltic Sea. Additionally, the Meri is outfitted for effective oil spill response, showcasing its commitment to environmental safety. Gaiamare anticipates the delivery of this groundbreaking vessel later this summer, marking a significant advancement in maritime transport capabilities.