A Dutch cargo vessel remains aground in a remote Arctic location more than ten days after it ran onto a shoal. The incident occurred while the ship was transiting the Franklin Strait, and its 16 crew members are safe with no pollution detected. The vessel’s ballast tanks have taken on water, but its fuel and cargo holds are secure.
Salvage Operations
The Canadian Coast Guard is leading the response, with an icebreaker now on site to assist. The owner of the vessel, a Dutch shipping firm, has submitted a draft salvage plan which is currently under review by Canadian authorities. Due to recent poor weather, the salvage operation has been delayed, but a salvage master and naval architect have joined the vessel, and equipment is on its way. The stability of the vessel, favorable ice conditions, and a 60-centimeter tidal range may aid in the refloating efforts.
‘Polluter Pays’ Principle
Canadian authorities have reiterated that under the “polluter pays” rule, the vessel’s owners are responsible for all costs related to the cleanup, repair, and other expenses. This principle is a fundamental part of Canadian environmental law, ensuring that those responsible for pollution or environmental damage bear the financial burden of managing and remediating the consequences.
Recent Arctic Groundings
This is the second grounding incident in the Northwest Passage this summer. In a similar event in August, a Canadian cargo vessel was successfully refloated during high tide. Another comparable incident occurred in 2018 when a cruise ship refloated itself with the help of its propulsion and rising tide. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely as preparations for the salvage operation proceed.
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Source: Marine Insight
