Collision in Western Scheldt Involving Inland and Container Vessels

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  • On 30 May at approximately 14:15, the Belgium-flagged inland vessel Beringzee collided with the UK-flagged container ship Containerships Nord in the Western Scheldt, southwestern Netherlands.
  • Two crew members of Beringzee were thrown overboard and later rescued; one sustained minor injuries.
  • The Beringzee suffered significant damage and is being stabilized; Containerships Nord continued to Vlissingen Anchorage for inspection.
  • Emergency response included coast guard assets, tugboats, and oil containment measures; traffic on the Scheldt remains operational.

On the afternoon of 30 May 2025, a maritime incident occurred in the Western Scheldt involving a collision between the Belgium-flagged inland motor vessel Beringzee and the UK-flagged container ship Containerships Nord. The incident was reported at around 14:15 local time.

The Beringzee was en route from Antwerp, Belgium, to Vlissingen, Netherlands, with three crew members onboard. The impact of the collision resulted in two of them being thrown overboard. Emergency responders from both the Netherlands and Belgium, including vessels from Antwerp and a Coast Guard helicopter, arrived promptly at the scene. Both overboard crew members were successfully rescued, with one sustaining minor injuries. The third crew member was also examined as a precaution, according to Marine Traffic.

Damage and Response Actions

The Beringzee sustained substantial structural damage and required stabilization by two support vessels, Kevalia and Verity, operating inland. Several tugboats were also deployed to the site. A light oil sheen was detected on the surface of the Scheldt, prompting the deployment of oil booms to contain any potential spill.

Despite the collision and limited environmental impact, maritime traffic in the area remained operational without disruption.

The Containerships Nord, operated by CMA CGM, had departed Antwerp for Dunkirk, France. The vessel did not sustain major damage and was allowed to continue under instruction to anchor at Vlissingen Anchorage for inspection by authorities.

Next Steps

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the incident. Inspections and assessments are ongoing, with safety and environmental monitoring in place.

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Source: Marine Traffic