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Category: Allision

How much force is in a bridge allision?

How much force is in a bridge allision?

Alphenaar
Photo: ad.nl

On the evening of November 29, the residents near the Coenecoop Bridge in Waddinxveen, Netherlands discovered how much of an impact a bridge allision can be. The 90 meter long self-propelled container-barge Alphenaar (MMSI: 244059204) was proceeding on the Gouwe River when it struck one of the pillars of the bridge. Residents stated they could hear a loud bang and many houses shook from the allision. Traffic on the bridge and on the river was halted for several hours until the vessel and bridge could be inspected. While the inspection found no damage to the bridge, the Alphenaar sustained limited bow damage. Authorities allowed the vessel to proceed on its journey.  No reports of injuries or pollution released. See video of allision at ad.nl

Alphenaar
Photo: ad.nl

The Alphenaar was involved in prior allision this year near Gouda on October 26.

Brave Tern

Brave Tern

Brave Tern

On the morning of November 23, the 131 meter long, 9033 dwt jackup vessel Brave Tern (IMO: 9583782) allided with the quay at Navantia Ferrol, Spain. The vessel was departing from the quay when its boom got  hung up on one of the 25-tonne cranes on the quay. The boom tipped the crane off the quay onto a barge.  Part of the crane fell into the sea, but the crane cab and base remained on the barge.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

The Brave Tern remained at Navantia Ferrol while there was an investigation into the incident. Reports state the cause of the incident was due to human error while maneuvering away from the quay.  Salvage plans for the toppled crane were not reported.

Wilson Caen

Wilson Caen

Wilson Caen

On the early morning of November 18, the 100 meter long, 4451 dwt cargo vessel Wilson Caen (IMO: 9173290) allided on the Elbe River with the mole at the entrance to the Brunsbüttel lock. The Wilson Caen loaded with 2,824 tons of Abfällen from Napoli, Italy bound for Loviisa, Finland.  As the vessel approached the lock, the rudder failed and the Wilson Caen struck the bank fortification.  The cargo vessel sustained a visible large scrape (about 11 meters in length) while a dolphin was smashed in front of the mole. There was no reports of injuries or pollution released.

Authorities detained the Wilson Caen at Brunsbüttel until it could be inspected for seaworthiness. The incident is under investigation.

This isn’t the first incident with the Wilson Caen. The vessel allided in 2012 after engine failure.