In the late January of this year, a Maritime Safety Group was set up by the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany (MCN), keeping in mind a recent incident involving the GLORY AMSTERDAM which went aground in a storm off Langeoog, one of Germany’s East Frisian islands, in October 2017, the report says.
Potential Damages
The incident raised serious concerns about potential oil spillage which would have badly affected the holiday beaches of this lovely island. Fortunately, this 225-metre-long bulk carrier only suffered damage to her rudder blade and rudder system and no oil was spilled. After several failed attempts, the GLORY AMSTERDAM was finally pulled off the sandbank and towed to Bremerhaven where she has been hauled up ever since and is not expected to be declared seaworthy until the end of February.
Positive Developments
One positive outcome of the criticism that followed the incident, was the establishment of a Maritime Safety Group in the late January of 2018 by the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany (MCN). The Group’s work includes identifying maritime safety hotspots in the region. In the near future, the specialists who make up the Maritime Safety Group will be investigating new approaches for dealing more effectively and efficiently with future emergencies.
Importance of the Group
The head of the German Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, Hans-Werner Monsees underlines the importance of this new Maritime Safety Group, “The rapid increase in the size of containerships and cruise liners is placing new demands on safety concepts, rescue facilities and rescue technologies.”
Falk von Seck, the MCN office manager in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, backs him up: “The exchange of information between the various segments and players is more important than ever.” As one of the pioneers of real-time AIS vessel tracking, MCN member FleetMon will be represented on the Executive Committee of the new Maritime Safety Group.
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Source: Fleetmon
