What Crew Members Say About Ultramar

The cargo vessel "Ultramar" experienced a significant setback when it collided with the southern embankment of the Kiel Canal near Nübbel and Breiholz, at canal kilometer 53.5, due to a rudder malfunction. After successful refloating efforts, the tugs "NOK 1" and "Flemhude" took the ship in tow toward Brunsbüttel. However, progress was hampered by an engine failure as they approached Oldenbüttel. To provide additional assistance, the tug "Wolf" joined the operations. On September 20, at 8:30 a.m., the "NOK 1" successfully maneuvered the "Ultramar" to the South Quay in Brunsbüttel, where the ship docked briefly before continuing its journey. After some repairs and preparations, the vessel departed again on the same day at 11:30 p.m., resuming its route to Bremen, where it is expected to arrive by 2 p.m. on September 21. Upon arrival, the vessel will dock at warehouse 22. For more details and photographs, you can check the German report at this link: http://nok-schiffsbilder.de/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=60501&cid=6.

On the evening of September 19, 2015, at approximately 8:45 PM, the cargo vessel 'Ultramar,' en route from Södertalje to Bremen, encountered a significant navigational mishap. The ship struck the southern embankment of the Kiel Canal near Nübbel, specifically at canal kilometer 53.5, due to a failure in its steering system amid westbound operations. In response to the grounding, the canal was temporarily closed to all vessel traffic, resulting in a backlog of eight ships waiting to pass east of the incident location. The local tugboat 'Flemhude,' which was situated at canal kilometer 74 at the time, promptly turned back to assist. Additionally, the tug 'NOK 1' was dispatched from Rendsburg to the scene of the grounding. Early on September 20, efforts to refloat the 'Ultramar' were successful, and the vessel was subsequently towed to the South Quay in Brunsbüttel for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.