Rix-Emerald Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

Following the rectification of several deficiencies, the bulk carrier 'Rix Emerald' received clearance to depart from Kalmar harbor on the evening of October 28. The Swedish Transport Agency deemed the vessel seaworthy after rigorous inspections. However, European port state control authorities will continue to monitor the ship's compliance closely. In a follow-up scheduled within 90 days, inspectors will board the vessel to ensure all issues are adequately addressed. Swedish port state officials have expressed serious concerns regarding the operational status of such ships, stating it is regrettable that substandard vessels operate along the nation’s coastlines. These conditions create unhealthy competition and safety risks for everyone involved. The inspection report notably highlighted critical systems that had been disabled. After its departure from Kalmar, the 'Rix Emerald' successfully docked in Liepaja on October 30 and continued its journey to Kolding at 1 a.m. on November 1, with an estimated arrival time of November 3.

The Swedish Transport Agency has detained the vessel 'Rix Emerald' following its arrival in Kalmar on October 24. This action came after a thorough port state control inspection, where authorities identified a total of 24 deficiencies, several of which were deemed serious. Inspections revealed that the ship exhibited significant maintenance issues, including a non-functional emergency generator, which posed a serious threat to safety. Additionally, alarming life-saving equipment inadequacies were detected, raising further concerns. Authorities also had suspicions regarding possible double accounting of crew members aboard. Due to these significant shortcomings, the 'Rix Emerald' is barred from departing until all issues are fully addressed and corrected. The Swedish Transport Agency has alerted both the police and the Coast Guard about the situation. After remedial actions, the vessel resumed its journey, leaving the port on October 28 at 11:30 PM and is on its way to Liepaja, with an estimated arrival set for October 29 at 8:20 PM. For more details, you can watch the Swedish report featuring a video on the incident: https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/smaland/skenande-fartyget-flyttas-runt-i-hamnen-for-att-inte-skapa-problem.

On October 24 at 7:50 a.m., the 'Rix Emerald' docked at Kalmar, prompting the Swedish Transport Agency to conduct an extensive inspection of the vessel. This thorough investigation follows a troubling incident two weeks prior when the ship experienced engine failure while carrying 2,300 tonnes of oatmeal, requiring the opening of bridges on the Göta River for safe passage. Though the 'Rix Emerald' managed to anchor in Hönö, it departed without permission, with the captain claiming there were 'no problems.' The vessel then headed towards Montrose, located west of Skagen, while its AIS system was turned off. Should the inspection reveal that the 'Rix Emerald' fails to comply with certain regulations, the ship could face a sailing ban until necessary corrections are made. Notably, two violations could lead to a year-long prohibition from docking within EU ports. In light of these circumstances, the captain, who previously disengaged from discussions with Swedish authorities, is set to be questioned by the Swedish Transport Agency's inspection team. An inspector from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) will also assess salary payment records, amid concerns about potential double entries. The Swedish Transport Agency anticipates that the inspection process may take several hours, contingent upon the crew's level of cooperation. It is important to note that the 'Rix Emerald' has a history of traffic violations, and the same captain was at the helm during a grounding incident off Landskrona earlier this year.