Working Conditions Aboard the Merweborg

In a recent development, the Danish authorities have cleared the way for the 'Merweborg' to continue its journey after its detention on New Year's Eve. On January 2, Copenhagen Police announced that the blood test results for the ship's master were still pending. Despite this, the vessel was permitted to resume its voyage on the afternoon of January 1. Interestingly, the 'Merweborg' remained anchored in the waters southeast of Skagen during this time.

On New Year's night in 2017, the Danish maritime authorities intervened to prevent the cargo vessel 'Merweborg' from potentially running aground off the coast of Skovshoved. The vessel, en route from Gävle to Casablanca, caught the attention of VTS Øresund when it began to lurch dangerously to the north. Concerned about the ship's erratic behavior, the Vessel Traffic Service, VTS Øresund, took prompt action and ordered the 'Merweborg' to anchor. During communication with the ship, VTS staff suspected that the Dutch captain appeared to be under the influence. Their suspicions were later confirmed through further discussions with the captain, prompting the decision to dispatch a police patrol to conduct a breathalyzer test on board. This decisive action by the authorities ensured the safety of the vessel and its crew, averting what could have been a significant maritime incident.

The 'Merweborg' has successfully undergone all necessary repairs, with work completed on January 14. Shortly after midnight, the vessel departed from Mützelfeldt Yard in Cuxhaven, setting its course towards the Kiel Canal and resuming its journey to Sundsvall with an updated estimated time of arrival on January 18. Meanwhile, the ro-ro ferry 'Caroline Russ' (IMO: 9197533) arrived at berth 3 on Seeland Quay in Lübeck on January 15 at approximately 9 p.m. The ferry had been anchored off the port for several days, awaiting orders following the conclusion of its repairs at Norder Yard in Hamburg on January 9.