Container Ship Collides With Autonomous Barge In Rotterdam, Spilling Several Containers In Water
An autonomous barge and a container ship collided in the Scheur River near Rotterdam on December 5, 2024, spilling at least four empty containers into the water.
The incident happened around 6:15 a.m. near Koning Willem Alexander Boulevard in Maassluis, within the river channel leading into Rotterdam’s inner harbour.
Both vessels remained afloat after the accident, but several containers fell overboard. According to local news reports, at least four empty containers were found washed up on the Maassluis riverbank.
The Hebo Cat 7, a maintenance and salvage vessel, was sent to recover the containers from the shore.
Hoop herrie voor de deur, alles trilde in huis, dacht wat is dat, zie schip heel dicht langs de kant varen. Ben bang te dicht #aanvaring 4 containers langs het Scheur pic.twitter.com/Zc0oozrdm5
— Klaazklikteroplos (@zomer60) December 5, 2024
Image Credits: Klaazklikteroplos/X
One of the vessels involved has been identified as the River Drone 5, part of a fleet of autonomous dry cargo barges operated by a Dutch company.
This barge is one of the first autonomous vessels of its kind in the world. AIS data confirms the River Drone 5 was at the scene of the collision, though it’s still unclear whether the barge was operating in fully autonomous mode at the time.
Other news outlets reported that the barge performed a turn shortly after the collision.
The River Drone fleet is one of Europe’s largest experiments in autonomous and remote-controlled shipping. These barges are equipped with technology that allows them to operate without any crew on board.
Het regent zo hard…ik film even vanuit de auto 🤣 #berging #containers pic.twitter.com/sxmZVgRwU1
— Maikel Coomans (@maikelcoomans85) December 5, 2024
Video Credits: Maikel Coomans/X
Each barge is approximately 100 meters long and can carry up to 3,850 tonnes of cargo. The first barge in this fleet started operating in January 2023.
The Netherlands is preparing to update its laws on inland navigation. Starting January 1, 2025, it will be legal to operate commercial vessels on Dutch inland waterways without any crew on board.
Until then, all vessels, whether autonomous or not, must still meet the legal requirements for crew members.
Strict safety measures are needed before adopting these new technologies, which could further improve efficiency and reduce the need for crew members onboard a vessel.
Reference: SeaNews
Marine Insight Academy
Online courses for the Maritime industry!
Enroll For Maritime Courses
- 100 + Free & Premium Courses
- Learn at your own speed
- Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
- Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
- Interactive videos
Marine Insight Academy
Enroll For Maritime Courses
- 100 + Free & Premium Courses
- Learn at your own speed
- Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
- Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
- Interactive videos
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
Related Articles
- Indian Coast Guard Rescues Missing Boat With 54 People Onboard In Lakshadweep
- Houthis May Soon Release 25 Member Crew Of Galaxy Leader Held Hostage For 429 Days
- COSCO & GSBN Launch Blockchain Pilot For Hazardous Cargo Documentation
- Russia Loses Key Naval Base In Syria After 49-Year Port Lease Agreement Cancelled
Related Articles
Daily Maritime News, Straight To Your Inbox
Sign Up To Get Daily Newsletters
Join over 60k+ people who read our daily newsletters
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT