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.

Klaipeda

Klaipeda

Klaipeda

On the morning of November 27, the 88 meter long, 4068 dwt cargo vessel Klaipeda (IMO: 9106584) stranded on the Kiel Canal near Dükerswisch, Germany. The Klaipeda was head for Liepaja from Jmuiden when it suffered mechanical failure and became disabled blocking traffic. Authorities halted traffic between Kudensee and Fischerhütte a short period until tugs could take the Klaipeda under tow.  Two tugs proceeded to tow the Klaipeda to Brunsbüttel.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Sofia

Sofia

Sofia
Photo: Swedish Maritime Authority

On the evening of November 28, the 70 meter long, 1827 dwt cargo vessel Sofia (IMO: 8616087) suffered an explosion and fire in Baltic Sea some 30 nautical miles off the coast of Bornholm, Denmark. The Sofia was proceeding in ballast from Poland to Karlshamn when the vessel alerted authorities a mayday alert and the crew needed to abandon ship. Both Danish and Swedish authorities dispatched helicopters and vessels to the scene. Reports state a Swedish rescue helicopter was first to arrive over the Sofia and were able to winch up all 5 crew safely.  The helicopter took the crew to Kristianstad and were reported unharmed from the incident. Polish authorities also dispatched the rescue vessel Kapitan Poinc along with a tugboat towards the drifting Sofia.

Sofia
Photo: tvn24.pl

Reports state the vessel’s owners had dispatched a tug from Rostock to take the Sofia under tow and take it to a shipyard for repair. No details on the cause of the explosion nor the extent of damage caused by the explosion and the fire. Authorities stated the Sofia was not a threat to navigation in the area.