Rix-Explorer Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On December 20, 2024, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the 'Rix Explorer' experienced an allision with the quay while attempting to dock in Rostock. The vessel was coming from Odense when it struck the quayside, resulting in minor damage to the sheet pile wall and affecting the bulbous bow of the ship. In response to the incident, the Rostock water police initiated an investigation, which pointed towards human error as a likely factor, compounded by unfavorable wind conditions encountered by the Latvian captain. Authorities were swift to act, with the Ship Safety Department of the Federal Association of Transport, Postal Logistics and Telecommunications (BG Verkehr) being notified promptly. They issued a detention order for the 'Rix Explorer' pending confirmation of the ship's classification status by the relevant monitoring body. Additional agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Maritime Accident Investigation, the Warnemünde Traffic Control Center, and the Rostock Port Authority, were also informed about the incident, and investigations are currently ongoing.

On August 29, 2020, the 'Rix Explorer', on its journey from Kalmar, encountered difficulties as it ran aground in the Kolding Fjord close to Drejens while navigating towards the port of Kolding at approximately 6 p.m. After diligent surveying by divers, the vessel was effectively salvaged by tugs on August 30. By 8:30 p.m., the 'Rix Explorer' successfully docked at the South Quay in Kolding, marking a swift resolution to the incident.

On July 23, 2017, at 6:00 a.m., the cargo vessel 'Rover' experienced a total power failure while navigating seven miles southeast of Cape Gris-Nez in the upstream channel of the Pas-de-Calais vessel separation zone. The ship, transporting clay from Nador to Rotterdam, promptly alerted CROSS Gris-Nez of its inability to maneuver. In response to the emergency, CROSS Gris-Nez managed local maritime traffic to ensure safety and issued pertinent navigational warnings. At 7:15 a.m., the Maritime Operations Center (COM) at the Maritime Prefecture of the English Channel and North Sea in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin deployed the emergency tug 'Abeille Languedoc' to assist the beleaguered vessel. By approximately 8:50 a.m., the 'Rover' was granted permission by CROSS Gris-Nez to drop anchor six miles off Cape Gris-Nez for necessary repairs. The 'Abeille Languedoc' arrived on the scene by 9:15 a.m., prepared to intervene if needed. After the crew of the 'Rover' requested additional time to carry out repairs twice, they successfully completed the work by 2:00 p.m. However, just four miles from Cape Gris-Nez, a second issue arose, requiring immediate anchorage. CROSS Gris-Nez promptly authorized anchoring while COM Cherbourg dispatched an evaluation and intervention team. This team included the chief engineer from 'Abeille Languedoc' and an inspector from the Ship Safety Center (CSN) of Boulogne, who were airlifted to the site by a Dauphin helicopter from the Le Touquet Navy base. The chief engineer quickly identified the engine breakdown was linked to the quality of the propulsion fuel. Following a thorough inspection, the 'Rover' was cleared to continue its journey towards Rotterdam at 7:00 p.m., after the evaluation team was successfully retrieved at 6:30 p.m. The cargo ship ultimately reached Rotterdam by midday on July 24. Following a brief stop, 'Rover' departed Rotterdam again on July 25 at 3:00 a.m., setting course for Newhaven, with an estimated time of arrival of 4:00 a.m. on July 26.