Holland Norway Lines’ ferry MS Romantika, which sails between Norway and the Netherlands, broke loose from the quay on 1 February in the port of Eemshaven. There were no injuries, but there was damage, says a spokesperson of Groningen Seaports.
The MS Romantika has been sailing between Eemshaven in the Dutch province of Groningen and part of Groningen Seaports, and Kristiansand in Norway since April 2022.
It is said the ship’s mooring lines broke loose on Wednesday as a result of strong winds, but police are still investigating the accident. Police have told local news channel RTV Noord that three other ships were hit and that the damage is being assessed.
There were no passengers on board at the time of the incident. According to Eemskrant.nl there is now severe damage to the vehicle bridge and hinged doors. In a statement, Holland Norway Lines says it has cancelled today’s (2 February) sailing.
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MS Romantika
The RoRo/passenger ship MS Romantika was built in 2002 and sails under the Dutch flag. It is 193 metres long and 35 metres wide with a GT of 40,803. The ship can accommodate 2500 passengers, 300 cars and sixty trucks.
The vessel was originally built for Tallink and constructed by Finnish company Aker Finnyards. In 2021, the ship briefly sailed for Tanger Med, before it was chartered for three years to Holland Norway Lines, with an option for an extra two years.
Picture by Maarten Heerlien, Wikimedia Commons.
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