Car Carrier - Shipwreck Log

Collision off Immingham

December 7, 2015 Paul Hancock

On December 3, the 140 meter long, 5000 dwt car carrier City of Rotterdam collided with the 200 meter long, 10,407 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Primula Seaways on the Humber near Immingham, England. The Primula Seaways was coming from Rotterdam with 25 persons in bad weather with strong winds and heavy rains. As it approached the Humber, the Primula Seaways struck head-on with the City of Rotterdam.

The City of Rotterdam sustained extensive damage to its portside bow. The car carrier had a 40 foot long breach over multiple decks and a notable crack in the hull. No reports of injuries on either vessel.

https://youtu.be/-tjkxMFMTzg

The Primula Seaways proceeded to Killinghome Haven while the City of Rotterdam berthed in Immingham. Authorities have detained both vessels and launched an investigation into the incident. The cause of the collision has not yet been reported.

Viking Emerald

November 15, 2015 Paul Hancock

On November 14, the 167 meter long, 10600 dwt ro-ro vehicle carrier Viking Emerald ran aground on the Columbia River near Woodland, Washington. The Viking Emerald was headed upriver with a cargo of automobiles to Portland when it suffered a steering system failure and the bow became stuck on the river bottom. Four tugs were dispatched and were able to refloat the Viking Emerald a short time later. The tugs then towed the vessel to Portland. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Viking Emerald was to be inspected at Portland by authorities.

Baltic Ace Removal

June 9, 2015 Paul Hancock

On June 7, part of the of the remains of the car carrier Baltic Ace arrived in Rotterdam, Netherlands. On December 5, 2012, the car carrier collided with the 135 meter long, 8372 dwt container ship Corvus J in the North Sea off the coast of the Netherlands during a snow storm with rough seas. The Baltic Ace quickly sank with only 13 of the 24 crew on board able to climb into the life rafts . The vessel with its cargo of 1400 Mitsubishi vehicles on board sat on the bottom in 35 meters of water.

Dutch authorities contracted with Boskalis and Mammoet Salvage to remove the Baltic Ace in February 2014. The wreck was a threat to shipping as it was a hazard in the busy route to Rotterdam. Within the wreck, there was 540,000 litres of fuel oil posed a threat to the environment. Reports state the salvage teams will break up the vessel into six sections and lifted to the surface over the summer.