On the morning of March 6, the 118 meter long, 8985 dwt tanker Bothnia (IMO: 9485356) allided on Kiel Canal in Brunsbüttel, Germany. The Bothnia struck a bridge near a refinery resulting in 15,000 euros of damage to the bridge. Authorities launched an investigation and found the incident most likely occurred when the Bothnia had left Brunsbüttel. The crew was unaware of the tanker had struck the bridge. No reports of injuries and no pollution released.
On the afternoon of March 5, the 184 meter long, 37874 dwt tanker Conga (IMO: 9412000) became disabled on the Kiel Canal near Brunbüttel, Germany. The tanker had entered the canal when it suffered main engine failure. The vessel remained in Brunbüttel for several hours until it could make repairs. The vessel was able to proceed on its voyage until it suffered another breakdown further along the canal on March 6. Authorities dispatched two tugs to take the Conga under tow and proceeded to Kiel. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
Reports state authorities sent inspectors to check on the vessel. The Conga is suspected to be part of the Russian shadow fleet of tankers, but was not currently on the list sanctioned by the EU.
On the evening of March 2, the 130 meter long, 10238 dwt heavy lift vessel Vestvind (IMO: 9750579) allided in the Kiel Canal at Brunsbüttel, Germany. The Vestvind was en route to Nakskov from Portsmouth when it entered the south lock at Brunsbüttel. There the vessel struck the lock wall and and sustained minor damage. Two tugs were dispatched and towed the Vestvind out of the lock to Marinedalben Süd. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the Vestvind was allow to proceed on its voyage the next day.