Working Conditions Aboard the Thames-Highway

On January 28, 2023, a fire broke out on the 'Thames Highway' while docked in Emden, prompting a thorough investigation by the Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU), assisted by police from the 1st Specialist Unit and the Emden Water Police. Investigators have established that the fire originated from a crack in a fuel line of an auxiliary diesel engine located in the engine room. The crack allowed diesel fuel to leak, which ignited upon contact with hot engine components, leading to the fire outbreak. Notably, the pressure in the line exacerbated the situation, causing the crack to expand and fuel to spray rapidly. Fortunately, no human error was detected in this incident. The crew's swift and professional response played a crucial role in containing the fire; they promptly sealed the engine room airtight, effectively preventing the flames from spreading further. Remarkably, there were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. As a precautionary measure, maritime safety authorities have temporarily barred the 'Thames Highway' from continuing its voyage until a certificate of seaworthiness is secured from the affiliated classification society. As of February 5, 2023, the vessel remains stationary in Emden. For more details, including a report with photographs, visit: https://www.butenunbinnen.de/nachrichten/ursache-feuer-auto-frachter-emden-borkum-100.html

On January 27, 2023, the vehicle carrier 'Thames Highway' set sail from its anchor point after confirming that a fire in its engine room had been fully extinguished. The vessel was expertly maneuvered back to Emden with the assistance of two dedicated tugs: 'Waterstroom' (IMO: 9428047) and 'Waterstraat' (IMO: 9428059). The ship reached the port at approximately 8:40 p.m., concluding the efforts of the central command for maritime emergencies in Cuxhaven. A total of 63 rescue personnel, alongside four vessels and two helicopters, participated in the extensive response operation. Once docked in the inner port of Bremen, specialists began evaluating the damage sustained during the incident and strategizing repairs. Prior to the 'Thames Highway's' departure from the port, all safety protocols needed to be reassessed. Meanwhile, the water police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire; however, it is reassuring to note that the cargo aboard the vessel remained unaffected. For detailed updates and media coverage including photos and videos, visit: https://www.seenotretter.de/aktuelles/seenotfaelle/feuer-auf-autotransporter-vor-borkum, https://www.havariekommando.de/SharedDocs/Aktuelles/DE/2026/20260127_ThamesHighway.html?nn=678620, https://www.havariekommando.de/SharedDocs/Fotogalerie/DE/2026/20260127_Thames_highway/THAMES_HIGHWAY_Bilderstrecke.html?nn=678620, and https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/niedersachsen/brand-auf-autofrachter-thames-highway-in-emden-angekommen,frachter-144.html.

In a dramatic incident on the evening of January 26, 2026, the vehicle carrier 'Thames Highway' found itself in peril as a fire erupted in its engine room shortly after departing from the port of Emden, bound for Grimsby. With 18 crew members and a pilot on board, the vessel was carrying a substantial cargo of 1,294 vehicles, including 477 electric cars. Due to the fire, the ship became incapacitated and dropped anchor outside the fairway of the Ems estuary, positioned northwest of Borkum and north of the Dutch Wadden Island of Rottumerplaat, with coordinates 53° 37' N 006° 32' E. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and there were no hazardous materials released during the incident. The vigilant crew quickly sealed off the engine room, effectively limiting the fire's spread. The situation escalated, leading the Maritime Emergency Response Team to take command of the operation at 12:10 a.m. on January 27. A specialized six-person firefighting team from the Cuxhaven Fire Department was dispatched, being flown to the scene via a Federal Police helicopter and lowered onto the 'Thames Highway' by winch. In addition to the Cuxhaven team, firefighters from Emden and Wilhelmshaven were also called to assist. Nearby, the lifeboat 'Hamburg' from the DGzRS station at Borkum Island remained on standby to provide medical assistance if required. Several additional resources were mobilized, including the emergency tug 'Nordic' (IMO: 9525962), buoy tender 'Norden' (IMO: 9157129) from the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration, and the multi-purpose vessel 'Mellum' (IMO: 8301981). The Dutch Coast Guard's emergency tug 'Multraship Protector' (IMO: 9344978) was also put on alert at the German-Dutch border for support. Despite challenging weather conditions, with waves reaching up to two meters and winds at force 4, the fire was brought under control by the morning of January 27. Fire crews from Cuxhaven and Wilhelmshaven continued fire watch duties on board. Due to significant engine damage, the 'Thames Highway' was rendered unable to maneuver and was set to be towed back to Emden by private salvage companies. Tugs 'Gruno IV' (IMO: 6907171), 'Waterstroom' (IMO: 9428047), and 'Waterstraat' (IMO: 9428059) converged at the anchorage location of the vessel to facilitate the tow. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.

The 'Thames Highway' has officially completed its repairs after sustaining allision damage, departing from the MWB Bremerhaven Shipyard on December 14. Following the completion of necessary maintenance, the vessel shifted to Kaiser Port for cargo operations. Early on December 15 at 5:20 a.m., the ship set sail, with its next destination set for Malmö, where it is expected to arrive on December 17.

On the afternoon of December 8, 2015, the cargo vessel 'Thames Highway' encountered an unfortunate incident in Bremerhaven when it allided with a quay during towing operations. The vessel was being pulled from Kaiser Port III to the car quay after arriving from Uusikaupunki earlier that morning at 5 a.m. As the ship was maneuvered stern first out of the port, engine issues arose, preventing timely stopping despite assistance from tugs. The impact resulted in a breach in the hull measuring 2 x 2 meters above the waterline. Following the incident, the 'Thames Highway' was brought to the MWB Bremerhaven Shipyard on December 9 for necessary repairs. The quay sustained significant damage as well, measuring approximately 3 x 4 x 2.5 meters. For further details, refer to the German news report with accompanying photographs: http://www.radiobremen.de/nachrichten/kurz_notiert/unfall-bremerhaven114.html.