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Tag: Moselle River

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn
Photo: web.de

On the evening of July 2, the 110 meter long self-propelled passenger ship Rembrandt van Rijn (MMSI: 244630436) allided on the Moselle River at Treis-Karden, Germany.  The Rembrandt van Rijn was proceeding upstream when it struck the bridge in Treis-Karden. The Rembrandt van Rijn sustained significant damage to its wheelhouse with 2 crew members injured during the incident and later taken to hospital for treatment.  There were no reports of injuries to the 110 passengers on board. All passengers were disembarked nearby to take alternative transportation.

The water police have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports state the passenger ship had taken the wrong passage under the bridge and struck one of the bridge’s arches. An inspection of the bridge found it had no major damage. The Rembrandt van Rijn was expected to complete temporary repairs so that it can be taken to a shipyard in Cologne for an overhaul.  Reports state that damage to the vessel was in the five-figure range.

 

Elegant Lady

Elegant Lady

Elegant Lady
Photo: schuttevaer.nl

On the afternoon of July 2, the 110 meter long passenger ship Elegant Lady (MMSI: 207072229) allided on the Moselle River at Sankt Aldegund, Germany. The Elegant Lady was proceeding downstream when it entered the lock and struck the lock gate. The lock gate sustained significant damage resulting in the gate being inoperable. The lock would be required to be closed. The Elegant Lady sustained only minor damage and was able to proceed under its owner power to a mooring just outside the Sankt Aldegund lock.  Three people on board the passenger ship were injured during the incident. No reports of pollution released.

Reports stated that over 50 vessels queued near Sankt Aldegund waiting for passage through the closed locks. On July 4, authorities reported that vessels travelling downstream will be allowed to pass through the locks. The gate will be inspected after each vessel passes through the lock slowing traffic to 1 vessel per hour. Upstream vessel traffic was slated to return in a few days. Authorities stated a new gate had been plan before the incident and is slated to be installed in late September.

 

Regina K

Regina K

Müden Lock
Photo: presseportal.de

On December 8, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Regina K (MMSI: 211414050) allided on the Moselle River within the Müden lock. The Regina K, fully loaded with scrap, prematurely entered the Müden lock before the lock gates were fully open. This resulted in the lock gates being torn away and leaving them severely damaged along with the anchors and equipment used to control the gates. Hydraulic lines were cut and pollution was released into the river. Local fire brigade placed a boom to contain any additional pollution. The Regina K sustained significant bow damage, but did not suffer any water ingress. There were no reports of injuries.

Regina K
Photo: presseportal.de

Reports state the incident may have been caused by a technical fault on the vessel. Authorities have closed traffic indefinitely at the lock until repairs can be done. Early estimates state the lock may not be back into service until March 2025. Reports state that much of the lock gate parts need to be replaced and the replacement gate would require additional upgrades before it could be put into service.

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Some 70 vessels were reported stuck above the lock as there is just a single lock at Müden. With the route blocked, river traffic was backing up as far as the French border. Authorities were determining what action can be done. Some discussion was to use the dam gate plates to allow vessels to proceed downstream.  However, this would require the use of divers and would be a time-intensive effort.  Until a solution is implemented, vessels have been asked to stay at their berths upstream of the lock.