Kiel Canal Collision
On the morning of February 6, the 168 meter long, 21298 dwt container ship Essence (IMO: 9491496) collided with the 142 meter long, 9516 dwt container ship X-Press Mülhacen (IMO: 9365960) on the Kiel Canal next to the Holtenau locks at Kiel, Germany. The Essence, en route to Rotterdam from Kotka, was exiting out of the south lock in thick fog when it scraped against the X-Press Mülhacen as it was attempting to enter the north lock. Both vessels were detained while the water police launched an investigation into the incident. After the questioning and inspections were completed a few hours later, the Essence was allowed to proceed on its voyage. Reports state the X-Press Mülhacen was detained until the evening of February 6 before it could continue on its journey to Gdynia. There were no reports of injuries or any pollution released.
