Working Conditions Aboard the Vera-Moon

On January 17, 2025, the cargo vessel 'Vera Moon' faced detention in Guiness due to a staggering 22 reported deficiencies, with eight of those classified as serious enough to warrant action. The deficiencies included critical safety issues such as an inoperative rudder angle indicator and inadequate maintenance of survival craft embarkation arrangements. Additionally, fire safety regulations were compromised with non-compliance regarding fire doors, fire pumps, and crew performance evaluations. The vessel’s propulsion engine also failed to meet required standards, and the ISM certificate was not in order. After addressing these issues, the 'Vera Moon' was officially released on February 7 and subsequently departed from Grove Wharf awaiting further instructions.

On the night of November 7, 2017, the cargo ship RMS Ruhrort encountered an unexpected incident while navigating the Kiel Canal. The vessel, which had departed from Varkaus on November 1 and was bound for Rochefort, struck the embankment at Fischerhütte around 2 a.m. Loaded with a timber cargo, the ship experienced a critical loss of rudder control, leading it to veer sharply towards the southern embankment. Despite efforts from the helmsman to reduce speed and correct the course, the situation deteriorated as the vessel swung hard to starboard, becoming lodged in the embankment. After approximately 20 minutes of struggle, at 2:20 a.m., RMS Ruhrort managed to free itself using its own power. Traffic control at Brunsbüttel then directed the ship to berth at the South Port for safety inspections, where it arrived at 4:50 a.m. Following a thorough investigation, the ship departed Brunsbüttel at 6 p.m. that same day, continuing its journey towards Rochefort, with an expected arrival on November 11.