Working Conditions Aboard the Nordic-Porto

On January 16, 2025, the newly operational southern lock of the Kiel Canal in Brunsbüttel faced an unexpected incident just moments after its reopening. The 'Nordic Porto', traveling from Wilhelmshaven to Gdynia, aimed to be the first vessel to navigate the lock, but at 09:07 a.m., it collided with the central control unit due to dense fog in the outer port. The collision was forceful enough to bend steel dolphins and dislodge friction timbers from their moorings. This impact caused floating fenders from the tail unit to drift uncontrollably through the outer port, with considerable damage inflicted on the dolphins and their lighting system. In light of the situation, authorities promptly closed the lock until all debris from the dolphins could be retrieved. The tug 'Fairplay 54' was dispatched to assist and successfully towed the 'Nordic Porto' to the northern marine dolphins for further examination. Fortunately, the ship only sustained minor bow damage, primarily abrasions on the starboard side. The professional traffic association instituted a sailing ban on the vessel until a thorough technical inspection was completed. By 3:20 p.m. UTC, the 'Nordic Porto' was cleared to continue its journey, with an expected arrival at its destination port set for the following day, January 17. Meanwhile, the lock remains out of service until December 17, while two work boats engage in the debris removal operation.

On March 18, 2018, the container vessel 'Beatriz B' found itself drifting for six hours, approximately 1.5 miles from the shoreline of La Palma. Commanded by a tugboat, the ship was navigated between the Santa Cruz de La Palma pier and the Los Cancajos area in Breña Baja due to a malfunction in one of its main engine cooling tubes. Initially, the sea conditions were calm, but as the day progressed, winds intensified, making it crucial for the tugboat to maintain control of the drifting vessel. Thankfully, following urgent engine repairs, the 'Beatriz B' successfully made its way back to the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, escorted by the tug, arriving safely by 3 p.m. For further details, see the Spanish report with photos here: https://www.eldiario.es/lapalmaahora/sociedad/averia-Puerto-capital-portacontenedores-Beatriz_0_751374940.html

On January 25, 2017, the 'E.R. Tallinn' was intercepted by the water police while navigating the Kiel Canal in Kiel. This action was prompted by reports from a measuring station of the Federal Maritime and Hydrography Agency, indicating that the vessel had significantly exceeded permissible sulfur levels in its exhaust emissions upon departure from the Port of Hamburg. In response to the data, the Federal Office notified Kiel's water police to monitor the vessel's journey toward the Baltic Sea. The 'E.R. Tallinn' was found lacking an exhaust gas purification system, which meant the crew had to rely solely on a marine diesel oil with a sulfur content of only 0.1 percent. Furthermore, the onboard fuel was subject to investigation following the inspection. Authorities collected oil samples and meticulously examined the engine's data and logs. As a result of these findings, the Kiel prosecutor imposed a security fine of €5,000 against the vessel. Additionally, a criminal complaint was filed against the crew members responsible, at the lock area. After the inspection concluded and the security deposit was made, the 'E.R. Tallinn' was permitted to continue its journey to Copenhagen.