Dutch Cargo Ship Thamesborg Remains Aground In Arctic After Nearly 2 Weeks

The Dutch-flagged general cargo vessel MV Thamesborg remains aground in the Franklin Strait, Nunavut, more than 10 days after hitting a shoal near the Tasmania Islands, between the Nunavut mainland and Prince of Wales Island. The vessel was en route from China to Quebec carrying industrial carbon blocks.

Officials reported that several ballast tanks on the ship have taken on water, but the fuel tanks and cargo hold are still intact. All 16 crew members are reported safe, and no pollution has been detected.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has deployed the CCGS Des Groseilliers icebreaker to lead the response, relieving the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier and CCGS Jean Goodwill, which had been on site supporting inspections and transporting personnel and equipment from nearby Taloyoak.

A draft salvage plan has been submitted by the vessel’s owner, Dutch shipping company Wagenborg, and is under review by CCG and Transport Canada officials. Wagenborg confirmed that salvage operations are dependent on weather, and recent inclement conditions caused delays.

A salvage master and a naval architect have joined the vessel, and the first set of salvage equipment and additional staff have arrived on site. Wagenborg said the remaining equipment and personnel are expected within seven days.

Recent photos released by the Coast Guard show Thamesborg listing to starboard and shrouded in thick fog, but the vessel remains stable. Local sea ice conditions are expected to remain favorable for several weeks, giving time for a possible salvage operation. The tidal range in Franklin Strait is about 60 centimeters, which could help in refloating efforts.

The Coast Guard reiterated that under Canada’s “polluter pays” rule, vessel owners must cover all cleanup, repair, and related costs.

This is the second grounding in the Northwest Passage this summer. In August, the Canadian cargo ship Rosaire A. Desgagnés ran aground in Pelly Bay but was refloated during high tide. Similarly, in 2018, the cruise ship Akademik Ioffe used its propulsion and rising tide to lift off a shoal in Canada’s Gulf of Boothia.

Authorities continue to closely monitor Thamesborg while salvage preparations proceed. Despite damage to the ballast tanks, the vessel’s cargo and fuel remain secure, and no injuries or environmental hazards have been reported so far.

Reference: cabinradio

Source: Maritime Shipping News