Wagenborg Rushes To Refloat Grounded Cargo Ship Before Arctic Ice Forms

Dutch shipping company Wagenborg is working to refloat its general cargo vessel Thamesborg, which has been aground in the Franklin Strait off Prince of Wales Island, Canada, since early September. With the Arctic winter approaching, the company aims to complete the operation before sea ice begins to form.

Wagenborg confirmed that the vessel remains in a stable condition. The crew on board are safe and in good health, and there has been no pollution resulting from the grounding. The company said the ship’s fuel tanks and cargo holds are intact, though several ballast tanks were ruptured. These tanks were empty prior to the incident and are now filled with seawater.

The Thamesborg was sailing from China to Quebec when it struck a shoal off the Boothia Peninsula in Nunavut. The Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada have reviewed and approved Wagenborg’s salvage plan, which is now underway.

As part of the initial stage of the operation, approximately 4,000 tonnes of cargo have been transferred from the Thamesborg to the Silver Copenhagen and the Nulavik to reduce the ship’s draft in preparation for refloating. Wagenborg added that further cargo could be removed if necessary to lighten the vessel.

With the arrival of the icebreaker MSV Botnica on 3 October, all remaining equipment required for the refloating operation is now in place. The next step involves carefully reducing ballast water in the damaged tanks to refloat the vessel. Wagenborg said the attempt is scheduled for this week, weather permitting.

Once refloated, the Thamesborg will undergo inspection before proceeding to a port of refuge, the location of which is yet to be confirmed. The company’s plan is for the vessel to sail under its own power, although the Botnica will remain available to assist through escorting, towing, or icebreaking if needed.

Wagenborg highlighted that the Thamesborg holds an ice class 1A notation, allowing it to navigate challenging ice conditions with icebreaker support. However, the company acknowledged that weather and sea conditions will play a key role in determining the timing of the refloating.

Officials from the Canadian Coast Guard said they remain optimistic that the vessel will be freed and able to leave Arctic waters before the freeze-up. Meteorologists from the Canadian service have warned that storm conditions are developing across Nunavut, with the risk of flurries early in the week and deteriorating weather expected later.

The company said all efforts and resources are focused on ensuring the Thamesborg is refloated before the winter window closes. Contingency plans are in place should the initial attempt fail, including additional cargo removal and assistance from the Botnica for icebreaking or towing operations.

An investigation into the cause of the grounding is ongoing, led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). Wagenborg stated that it would be premature to comment on the cause until the inquiry concludes.

Wagenborg added that the safety of the crew, the vessel’s structural integrity, and the protection of the surrounding environment remain its top priorities. The company confirmed that the Thamesborg is fully insured under comprehensive maritime policies, including Protection and Indemnity (P&I) and Hull and Machinery (H&M) cover.

Reference: Wagenborg

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