Discover the Wind-Keeper: Ratings & Maritime News

An unfortunate incident in the Port of Esbjerg revealed critical lapses in situational awareness when the 'Brave Tern', a vessel owned by Fred. Olsen Windcarrier's parent company Bonheur, collided with the 'Wind Keeper' on June 10. The 'Brave Tern' was engaged in transporting nine wind turbine blades, specifically designed for Siemens Gamesa’s advanced 14MW turbines, from Esbjerg. These blades were destined for the impressive 1.1GW Thor offshore wind farm, currently under development by German energy giant RWE in the waters of Denmark. As the 'Brave Tern' attempted to exit the harbor, a mishap occurred, resulting in the turbine blades striking the 'Wind Keeper'. The collision caused further complications as the 'Brave Tern' subsequently allided with quay-side infrastructure, ultimately resulting in additional damage to the valuable turbine blades.

The Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) has released preliminary findings from their investigation into the allision involving the 'Brave Tern' and the 'Wind Keeper' in the Port of Esbjerg on June 10. The incident occurred while the 'Brave Tern' was in transit, carrying nine wind turbine blades for RWE’s 1.1 GW Thor offshore wind farm. Conducted shortly after the incident, this survey, which took place on June 11, is part of an ongoing investigation by the Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board and does not represent conclusive findings. According to the DMA's preliminary investigation documents, the 'Brave Tern' had executed a 180-degree turn and was navigating through the port at a speed of approximately three to four knots during the event. A crew member positioned on the starboard bridge wing observed the clearance between the vessel's cargo and the moored 'Wind Keeper'. Although the distance appeared minimal, it was initially considered adequate based on the witness statement provided in the report. However, the crew soon received alarming notifications indicating that the blades were nearing the 'Wind Keeper'. At 07:41 a.m. LT, the turbine blades made contact with the 'Wind Keeper’s' starboard crane, which led to the vessel struggling to maintain its course and subsequently colliding with the quayside about six minutes later. Control was regained using the dynamic positioning (DP) system, and the 'Brave Tern' later proceeded with the help of tugs to a turning basin before returning to port. The DMA survey highlighted that all vessel certifications were current, no breaches of crew rest requirements were detected, and there were no equipment alarms prior to the incident. Moreover, it was reported that all vital systems functioned normally at departure, although the cause of the incident remains undetermined. The investigation pointed out that the windage effect from the cargo, notably the vertically stored tower sections and the turbine blades, which extended approximately 60 meters beyond the vessel's starboard side, might have adversely impacted the 'Brave Tern’s' maneuverability more than was previously anticipated. Damage assessment revealed hull impairment on the starboard side, covering an area of roughly 12 square meters. In response to the findings, the DMA has mandated a safety briefing for bridge personnel before any future departures from Esbjerg to discuss the incident and explore preventive measures. In the aftermath of the incident, cleanup operations in the Port of Esbjerg have successfully concluded, with divers and specialist contractors retrieving blade debris from the water. The financial implications of the collision are projected to exceed DKK 1 billion (around EUR 134 million). The 'Wind Keeper' resumed its operations from Esbjerg on June 28, while salvage efforts continue in the port to recover wing tips that broke off from the wind turbine blades.

On June 10, the Port of Esbjerg witnessed an allision involving the 'Wind Keeper,' prompting an immediate investigation. Fortunately, the findings indicate that damage to Cadeler's jackup vessel was minimal. The incident occurred when the installation vessel 'Brave Tern' became dislodged by strong winds during its maneuvering in the port. This resulted in the 'Brave Tern' first colliding with a crane before striking the jackup ship. The 'Wind Keeper' subsequently left the port on June 16, proceeding towards the North Sea.

On June 10, 2026, an unfortunate maritime incident unfolded in Esbjerg when the installation vessel 'Brave Tern' (IMO: 9583782) encountered strong winds during port operations, resulting in a collision with another vessel, 'Wind Keeper'. The 'Brave Tern' was loaded with turbine components intended for the 1.1GW Thor wind farm project off Jutland when it struck the 'Wind Keeper', causing damage to both the vessel and the dockside. Although no serious injuries were reported, one individual was transported to a hospital for precautionary medical evaluation. The Danish Maritime Authority has since detained the 'Brave Tern', and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the allision and assess the damage incurred by the vessels involved. At the time of the incident, the 'Wind Keeper' was docked at position 55° 27' N 008° 28' E at the Esbjerg Offshore Wind Marshalling Berth 01. It's worth noting that the 'Thor' wind farm project aims to install up to 72 turbines, with the first Siemens Gamesa unit of up to 15MW successfully installed in March, and the installation campaign expected to wrap up by the end of the year. For further coverage, including photos and videos of the incident, readers can visit the following links: [JV.dk](https://jv.dk/esbjerg/tysk-gigant-bryder-tavsheden-efter-havnedrama-i-esbjerg) and [Presse-fotos.dk](https://presse-fotos.dk/milliardregning-truer-efter-havari-i-esbjerg-havn/).