Vikingfjord Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On December 7, 2018, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the buoy tender 'Vikingfjord' faced a significant power reduction due to a malfunction in the connection between its engine and turbo. This incident occurred in the vicinity of coordinates 53 52.476 N, 001 01.481 E, roughly 34 miles from Spurn Point, resulting in the vessel experiencing restricted manoeuvrability. In response, the vessel's agent, Carlbom Shipping, summoned the tug 'Ems Boxer' (MMSI: 235118442) for assistance; however, the tug was ultimately unable to fulfill this request and returned to Great Yarmouth. Subsequently, the tug 'Ems Defender' (IMO: 6708604) was engaged to provide support. Departing from Great Yarmouth at 9:15 a.m. on December 9, 'Ems Defender' was scheduled to arrive by midnight on December 10, tasked with towing the disabled tender to Grimsby. The 'Vikingfjord' successfully made its way into Grimsby Royal Dock on December 11.

On March 8, 2017, the 'Vikingfjord' faced a critical situation in the tumultuous waters of the North Sea due to an unexpected engine failure, all while navigating through fierce gale-force winds. The vessel was making its way from Mongstad to Fonnes when it abruptly required urgent assistance. At 5 a.m., the Norwegian Coastguard vessel 'Bergen' was alerted to the emergency, positioned 50 miles south of the stricken ship. Battling against the harsh weather, the 'Bergen' made its way to the 'Vikingfjord,' reaching the site by 9 a.m. Meanwhile, the standby vessel 'Ocean Response' had also arrived and initiated towing efforts; however, the towing wire failed shortly thereafter. The weather escalated into a southerly storm, with gusts reaching up to 30 meters per second. Fortunately, the crew aboard the 'Bergen' had already prepared the necessary towing gear upon arrival. In a remarkable second attempt, they were able to establish a successful tow connection despite towering wave heights of 6-8 meters, after an initial setback with the wire. By 11:40 a.m., the 'Bergen' was pulling the adrift 'Vikingfjord' slowly towards Marstein lighthouse. By 10 a.m. on March 9, the 'Bergen' safely docked at Haakonsvern, completing its part of the rescue operation. The 'Vikingfjord' was subsequently transferred to the tug 'Sjøbas,' which towed it southward into Kors Fjord. Finally, the 'Vikingfjord' reached the safety of Rubbestadneset port by around 11 p.m., culminating a challenging day at sea. For more on this harrowing rescue operation, check out the detailed Norwegian report featuring gripping photos: http://sysla.no/2017/03/09/maritim/vikingfjord-drev-i-6-timer-for-kv-bergen-fikk-festet-slepet_194922/