The Dutch Safety Board is starting an investigation into the increasing crowdedness of the North Sea. The construction of, among other things, wind farms and the increase in shipping with ever larger ships are making the North Sea a lot busier.
The Dutch Safety Board will investigate the risks posed by the increasing use of the North Sea and what effect this may have on the safety of shipping in the area.
Also read: New chart shows how busy the North Sea really is
The trigger for this investigation is the Maltese bulk carrier Julietta D, which went adrift during storm Corrie in early 2022. While drifting towards the Dutch coast, the bulk carrier first hit another ship and then two structures of a wind farm under construction.
Also read: Salvaged Julietta D arrives in Port of Rotterdam
The Maltese investigation authority Transport Malta is also investigating the incident. This organisation is focusing specifically on the collision with the other vessel.