What Crew Members Say About Stolya

The commissioning of the Wunderline rail system connecting Groningen, Leer, and Bremen has been delayed until mid-2026, a significant setback for both regional commuters and European rail connectivity from Amsterdam to Hamburg and Scandinavia. Originally, cross-border train services on the Groningen-Leer route were set to begin with the December 2025 timetable update. This delay is primarily due to ongoing challenges in reconstructing the Friesen Bridge in Weener, which was damaged in an allision involving the vessel 'Emsmoon' (formerly known as 'Stolya') in December 2015. The project has faced several hurdles, particularly related to integrating the existing signaling technology in Papenburg with a new electronic interlocking system in Ihrhove. As a result, rail operator Arriva has been unable to conduct the extensive training and test runs necessary to resume services. Currently, the anticipated start of scheduled Wunderline operations is set for summer 2026, while the replacement bus service will remain in operation until then. For pedestrians, the footbridge across the Friesen Bridge is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., though access is restricted during high tide.

On the morning of September 20, 2022, emergency responders rushed to the scene at Harlingen port where the vessel 'HElas' has been undergoing repairs since August 4. A male worker experienced a serious fall into the ship's cargo hold, prompting a swift rescue operation. Emergency teams utilized a crane to hoist the injured individual from the hold. Fortunately, the fire brigade concluded their involvement shortly after the incident. Meanwhile, ambulance personnel received critical assistance from the Mobile Medical Team based in Eelde to provide immediate care.

The vessel Emsmoon has officially departed from Papenburg after a challenging period marked by the removal of the Friesen Bridge wreckage at Weener. This operation was efficiently carried out by the sheerleg Triton, which successfully cleared the shipping lane, allowing for the resumption of maritime traffic. On December 12, the Emsmoon moved from the North port to the South port, and it ultimately set sail on December 13 at 2:20 a.m. The ship is now en route to Södertalje, with an estimated arrival time of December 15 at 9 p.m. For more images of the Emsmoon during this significant event, visit the following links: [Photo Link 1](http://forum-schiff.de/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=6087#p121237) and [Photo Link 2](http://forum-schiff.de/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=6087#p121215).

The Ems River has been largely inaccessible to larger vessels following the collision involving the vessel 'Emsmoon' and the Friesen Bridge in Weener, located in the Leer municipality. On December 8, efforts commenced to clear the bridge wreckage, a task that began after the arrival of the Dutch sheerleg crane, 'Triton,' to the accident site the previous evening. This operation, which will be aided by divers, is expected to take several days to complete. Authorities are aiming to reopen the Ems for full ship traffic by December 11. Concurrently, investigations led by prosecutors in Aurich are focusing on the analysis of the voyage data recorders from the 'Emsmoon.' A key point of inquiry includes determining who was navigating the vessel during the incident, particularly as there is speculation that the pilot may have taken control of the ship, given that the Russian captain struggled with communication in German. As of now, neither the captain nor the pilot has provided a statement, and there are no indications of alcohol consumption influencing the events.