A wind installation vessel collided with a berthed containership while leaving the Port of Tyne on 20 July, causing a quayside gantry crane to collapse onto the cargo ship and injuring one person.
The accident happened shortly after at Tyne Renewables Quay. The Danish-flagged wind turbine installation vessel Wind Orca, operated by Cadeler, struck the Madeira-flagged feeder containership BG Orange during its departure manoeuvre. The impact caused a nearby gantry crane to collapse, with its boom crashing onto the containership’s accommodation block. Several containers were also knocked over.
Emergency services responded to the scene. The injured crane operator was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Cadeler said everyone aboard MV Wind Orca was safe and no pollution had been reported.
After the collision, MV Wind Orca returned to its berth, while MV BG Orange remained alongside as authorities inspected the damage. The Port of Tyne has launched an investigation into the accident.
MV BG Orange, operated by BG Freight Line, serves short-sea routes between the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. MV Wind Orca is currently working on Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm in the North Sea.
Cadeler said it had activated its emergency response procedures and was cooperating with investigators. Ørsted also said it was working with the company and the port to determine what caused the collision.
