Eco Ponente
On noon on January 18, the 148 meter long, 13661 dwt container ship Eco Ponente (IMO: 9985966) allided on the Kiel Canal at Kiel, Germany. The container ship was head to Rotterdam from Riga when it entered the only operational lock in Kiel. The vessel’s sister ship, the Eco Ostro, had allided with the other lock chamber the prior day resulting in that lock being closed to traffic. As the Eco Ponente entered the lock it struck the lock gate partially tearing the fenders. The Eco Ponente only sustained minor scratches. After an inspection and an investigation by the water police, the container ship was allowed to proceed under its own power. Authorities have not disclosed the extent of damage to the lock gate, but have stated the damage would be repaired. No reports of injuries or pollution released.