Discover the Velox: Ratings & Maritime News

Kolapi Utime, a 64-year-old captain hailing from Viridian Square in Aylesbury, has been handed a hefty fine of £6,384 following a near-collision involving his vessel, the 'Scot Leader', and the passenger ferry 'Stena Edda' in Belfast Lough. The ruling was issued by Southampton Magistrates' Court after the critical incident that occurred in March 2021. During the event, Utime made the imprudent decision to maneuver his ship directly in front of the 'Stena Edda', which was carrying 503 passengers at the time. Evidence presented in court revealed that he accelerated his ship, increasing the danger of a potential collision. Disturbingly, Utime contacted the 'Stena Edda' and requested that it alter its course to port, an action deemed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) as a breach of established collision avoidance principles. At the moment of crisis, the 'Stena Edda' was already initiating a starboard turn to avert disaster. Utime acknowledged his misjudgment, stating that he was focused on another approaching ferry, the 'Stena Superfast VIII'. Mark Flavell, a representative from the MCA, characterized the situation as extremely perilous, attributing it to Utime's failure to comply with maritime collision avoidance regulations. Flavell emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting, "There could have been disastrous consequences. The MCA is committed to taking necessary actions against seafarers who compromise safety through negligence. Such infractions against maritime laws are wholly unacceptable, and those who neglect to adhere to safety regulations will face strict legal repercussions."

On November 24, 2017, at 9:55 PM, the cargo vessel 'Scot Leader' experienced a significant rudder engine failure while navigating the Kiel Canal. The vessel was en route from Riga to the UK after departing on November 23. During the transit, it veered off course, striking the embankment near the freeway bridge in Rade. Fortunately, the ship was able to reverse and regain control shortly thereafter. However, the water police in Rendsburg promptly advised that a thorough survey and investigation be conducted. As 'Scot Leader' continued towards the communal port, another mishap occurred near the Nobiskrug Yard ferry terminal in Rendsburg, with the rudder engine malfunctioning again, leading to a second grounding incident. Despite the challenges, the crew managed to refloat the vessel by 11:35 PM, enabling it to proceed under its own power to the communal port. Local police in Brunsbüttel initiated an investigation, resulting in the temporary detention of 'Scot Leader' until further inspections could be completed on November 27. The incidents necessitated a short suspension of ship traffic along the Kiel Canal between Schacht-Audorf and Schülp. After completing the necessary repairs, 'Scot Leader' departed the communal port in Rendsburg at 2:45 AM on November 28, continuing its westbound journey to England, with an estimated time of arrival set for November 29. More details and photos are available in German reports: [Kiel Canal Incident](http://www.kn-online.de/News/Nachrichten-aus-Rendsburg/Zwei-Havarien-auf-dem-Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) and [Local News](https://www.shz.de/lokales/landeszeitung/frachter-laeuft-aus-dem-ruder-id18424416.html).

In a strategic move this month, Scotline, the prominent short-sea operator, has added the general cargoship formerly known as Odertal to its fleet, which is known for making regular calls at Wicklow Port. The vessel has been rebranded as Scot Leader following its recent acquisition. The 90-meter general cargoship, registered in Antigua and Barbuda, underwent essential drydocking in Hull to prepare for its new role within Scotline's operations. During the drydocking process, the ship was repainted in Scotline’s signature colors, proudly displaying the 'Saltire,' Scotland's iconic national flag, also recognized as St Andrew's Cross. With the completion of the refurbishment, Scot Leader is now fully integrated into the UK-flagged fleet, which consists of nine vessels, including the Scot Ranger. Just a week prior, the Scot Ranger, which boasts a similar deadweight tonnage of 4,500 dwt as the newcomer, was observed navigating toward Warrenpoint in County Down from Wicklow Port, showcasing Scotline's robust transport network across these key routes.