Ship Allides with Kiel Canal Lock Following Recent Engine Failure
On February 11, 2026, at 10:02 p.m., the container ship “Eco Levant”, traveling from Kotka to Rotterdam, collided with the new southern lock of the Kiel Canal in Kiel-Holtenau. The incident occurred as the vessel was entering the lock. Fortunately, both the ship and the lock sustained only minor damage. However, the lock was temporarily closed for investigation. By 1:02 a.m. on February 12, the “Eco Levant” was cleared to continue its journey towards Brunsbüttel. Subsequently, the lock resumed operations, minimizing disruption to maritime traffic.
This incident follows a previous occurrence involving the “Eco Levant.” On January 16, 2025, the vessel suffered an engine failure while navigating the Kiel Canal. During its eastbound transit, the ship veered off course near Breiholz and became lodged in the northern embankment close to a pilot station in Rüstersbergen. The incident resulted in the complete closure of the canal, affecting approximately 20 ships that were forced to halt their voyages on both sides of the grounding site.
Emergency Response and Recoveries
Following the grounding on January 16, the tugboat “Holtenau” was dispatched from Kiel at approximately 2 a.m. Another tugboat, “Fairplay 66”, left Brunsbüttel around 4 a.m. However, the “Fairplay 66” was later stood down once the “Eco Levant” was refloated. By 8 a.m., the vessel was successfully freed from the embankment and was moved to the heavy load port of Rendsburg-Osterrönfeld for inspection. Officers from the water police boarded the ship to conduct further investigations.
The “Eco Levant” was able to resume its journey on the same night, departing at 10 p.m. after completing necessary repairs to its hydraulic system. The ship was re-evaluated and received confirmation of its seaworthiness from the classification society DNVGL. It was expected to arrive at its destination on January 19, 2025. These two incidents highlight the challenges faced by vessels navigating the busy Kiel Canal and the importance of prompt emergency responses to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
