The distressed car-carrier ship that was engulfed in flames has been successfully moved to a safer location off the coast of the Netherlands. The Panama-flagged Fremantle Highway, which was carrying nearly 3,800 vehicles, including around 500 electric cars, is now situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the West Frisian Islands, Schiermonnikoog, and Ameland, which are part of a UNESCO world heritage site.
To assess the damage and ensure the ship's stability, a recovery team will board the vessel while it remains attached to tugboats. This inspection will provide crucial information about the condition of the ship and assist in planning the next steps. The Dutch public works and waterways authority, Rijkswaterstaat, began the operation on Sunday with the support of salvage companies after the smoke from the burning ship finally subsided. Tragically, one person lost their life during the incident, with the rest of the crew being rescued by helicopter.
The ship had been en route to Port Said, Egypt, and Singapore following a recent stop in Bremerhaven, Germany. The Dutch government has been closely monitoring the situation due to the ship's proximity to the Wadden Sea, which boasts the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats globally. This unique ecosystem is exceptionally fragile and could suffer severe damage in the event of an oil spill. Consequently, an oil-recovery vessel is on standby at the scene to swiftly respond if any fuel leaks occur.
Among the thousands of vehicles on board the ship are several hundred BMW AG cars and approximately 300 Mercedes-Benz Group AG vehicles, according to company representatives. Dutch authorities have expressed their intention to tow the ship to a suitable port. However, the final destination depends on various factors, including the conditions onboard, expected weather, and an available port with adequate facilities.
Efforts to safely relocate the car-carrier ship are ongoing, with the Dutch government working diligently to minimize the environmental impact and safeguard the surrounding marine habitat.